Will Zalatoris had an outstanding day at Riviera Nation Membership for Day 1 of the Genesis Invitational. He carded a 5-under 66 to take a seat tied for fifth after 18 holes.
It hasn’t been one of the best begin to a season for him, which was to be anticipated. After lacking eight-plus months as a consequence of a again harm, it’s taken him some time to get into the swing of issues. Nonetheless, every week he performs, he has completed higher than the final.
Zalatoris missed the minimize on the Sony Open in Hawaii, completed T34 on the American Specific and in his final begin, he had his finest end but — T13 on the Farmers Insurance coverage Open.
On Thursday, he logged seven birdies and two bogeys. He made so many clutch putts and the 27-year-old credit altering his putter for his enchancment on the greens.
“I switched to the broomstick putter, which was an enormous change,” Zalatoris stated. “I couldn’t hit balls principally for about 4 and a half months, so I used to be capable of type of tinker round with that for some time, enthusiastic about the comeback final 12 months, the place that was very unsuccessful.”
Zalatoris can be attempting to make issues easier.
“I believe sticking to my roots of who I’m as a ball-striker however simplifying the whole lot, not getting caught up in strain forces and all that stuff,” he stated. “It’s simply what feels snug. From there, let’s see if we are able to add pace to it. Within the Bahamas, I used to be seeing the place I used to be at… Every week has been higher and higher. I’ve bought to maintain enjoying.”
The FedEx St. Jude winner bought off to a crimson sizzling begin Thursday. He birdied his first and third holes and didn’t decelerate. Zalatoris made 4 straight birdies to make the flip in 29 strokes.
He added yet another birdie on the again with a pair of bogeys, however for essentially the most half, it was a robust day for him.
“I bought to get a pair extra rounds below my belt to only let it freewheel,” Zalatoris stated. “I do know it’s bizarre to say that after taking pictures 29 on the entrance, however I believe it’s nonetheless having to consider what I’m doing behind the ball, then recover from it and let it occur. Hopefully put myself in rivalry this weekend and that can get me rather more snug.”
Zalatoris is getting his momentum again after taking a lot break day, however the putter change appears to have helped. He is a superb ball striker, and now he seems to be sprucing up his sport on the greens.
Savannah Leigh Richardson is a golf employees author for SB Nation’s Enjoying By way of. For extra golf protection, be sure you observe us @_PlayingThrough on all main social platforms. You may also observe her on Twitter @SportsGirlSL and Instagram @savannah_leigh_sports.
