Will Zalatoris came up just short of winning his first major at the US Open on Sunday, but he showed a great deal of class in defeat.
Zalatoris missed a 14-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole at The Country Club in Brookline, Mass. Had he converted, he and winner Matt Fitzpatrick would have gone into a playoff. The putt was well struck but rolled just over the left edge of the cup. Zalatoris was in disbelief.
https://twitter.com/BradGalli/status/1538661456798957570
Though he was understandably crushed, Zalatoris handled the moment well. Golf reporter Dan Rapaport says the 25-year-old went up to Fitzpatrick’s parents and delivered an awesome message.
https://twitter.com/Daniel_Rapaport/status/1538713307124727808
Zalatoris has come extremely close to winning three majors now. He also finished second to Hideki Matsuyama by a stroke at the 2021 Masters. He then lost to Justin Thomas in a playoff at the PGA Championship in May. Zalatoris showed some frustration when he fired back at social media critics on Sunday, but you have to give him credit for the way he carried himself after his latest tough loss.
