WATCH: Will Zalatoris' impressive spin shot lands just feet shy of the hole at the 2024 Rockets Mortgage Classic
If Will Zalatoris goes on to do well at the Rocket Mortgage Classic this weekend, there may be one shot that he remembers better than most. While he was one over par and needing a good shot, he fired a spin shot towards the cup. It landed mere feet away from the second hole, allowing a simple shot for his next stroke to make birdie, which he did.
Zalatoris wasn't far away from the green, but he was still in a situation where the slightest misfire could alter the landing spot significantly. He needed to land close to the hole and have the ball stay there as opposed to bouncing or rolling even further away.
The golfer aimed it perfectly, as it bounced right next to the hole. To take it a step further, Zalatoris also put the right spin on his shot. The backspin brought it a little closer to the cup, which can make all the difference in golf.
The shot prompted a lot of applause from the crowd in Detroit and elicited some praise from the broadcasting crew. It might have been a short shot, but it also may end up being Zalatoris' most impressive work this weekend.
At the time of writing, it appears as if this shot spurred Zalatoris on to a better day. Before the above stroke, he was one over par. He's now one under par and tied for 53rd after six holes.
He might have turned his day around with an excellent play. Zalatoris had good odds of winning this PGA Tour event before starting, and he is looking to make good on those who bet on him.
Will Zalatoris' caddie opens up on the difficulty of the job
If Will Zalatoris does win the Rocket Mortgage Classic, it will be a team effort between him and his caddie Joel Stock. The relationship between a caddie and his golfer can be a difference-maker.
John Limanti, caddie for Keith Mitchell, said that a lot of it involves standing ground when golfers fight back on something. The caddie's job is to make the read and relay information, whether the golfer likes it or not.
Via Golf Digest, Zalatoris' caddie said:
"Tell the truth. I’m not gonna be right every time, but you want me to do the best job I’m gonna do. It doesn’t mean I’m right, but I’m gonna tell the truth.”
He also advised that being prepared is key for any caddie. They must know the golf course. Even if they've played it before, they need to walk it and see what shape it's in. That could be huge for Will Zalatoris this weekend.