For someone who doesn’t even have status on the PGA Tour, Will Zalatoris made quite an impression at the US Open two weeks ago when he finished tied for sixth. Now, with the emotional performance behind him, he’s back to trying to earn his PGA Tour card.
A tie for fifth or better at this week’s Sanderson Farms Championship will net Zalatoris a special temporary membership on the PGA Tour. The way he’s played the last two tournaments, he appears destined for a high finish.
That’s why with this week’s One Bet, $100, I’m taking Zalatoris to finish in the top 5 at the Sanderson Farms Championship. DraftKings has him listed at 5/1 to make the top 5. Zalatoris is facing competition similar to the Korn Ferry Tour, and he should thrive this week.
With last week’s One Bet, $100, I took Sam Burns to finish in the top 5 at the Corales Puntacana Championship, and the 24-year-old finished tied for 28th. Burns was lurking in the top 15 for the first two days, but a third-round 78 sunk any chance of finishing up high.
Zalatoris Peaking at Right Time
Zalatoris, on the other hand, started out slow at Corales. He shot three rounds in the 70s before a final round 65 got him up to a tie for eighth.
He told reporters he was still suffering the effects from the grueling week of the US Open.
“I was pretty flat the first couple days,†Zalatoris said. “At least I can admit it now, I was a little drained after last week, but fought like crazy and obviously just to give myself a chance, hopefully top-10 and get into next week is obviously exciting.â€
Motivation and momentum are definitely in Zalatoris’ favor. He told reporters he plays better with his back to the wall.
“I think really good preparation was last year before I had status just every week, top-25 to get in the next week or eventually at some point to get my card,†Zalatoris said. “So that was good training, and obviously being in contention a lot this year on the Korn Ferry Tour absolutely has helped.â€
Why Zalatoris will Finish in Top 5
Zalartoris is a motivated golfer right now. If he finishes fifth or better, he’ll earn his special temporary membership on the PGA Tour. After two seasons on the Korn Ferry Tour, getting a promotion would be the culmination of a dream.
He knows that finishing high at Sanderson will solve a lot of problems.
“At this stage of where I’m at, I can’t take a week off,†Zalatoris told reporters on Sunday.