Story byPhoto by Ross Kinnaird/Getty ImagesGuadalupe CarnielSat, January 17, 2026 at 11:38 AM UTC·2 min readWill Zalatoris is still one of the most exciting players on the PGA Tour, but even he has been blown away by one young star. Injuries have really disrupted Will Zalatoris’s career in recent years. The 29-year-old managed just 11 starts in 2025 before missing the rest of the season from May onwards. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIt was his second back surgery, which is never what you want to hear for someone who hasn’t even hit their thirties yet. Still, there’s growing optimism around Zalatoris heading into the 2026 PGA Tour season, as reported by Rex Hoggard.“You and I have both spoken to people in his camp and there is a level of optimism,” Hoggard explained. Will Zalatoris picks out the most overlooked golfer on the planetPhoto by Luke Walker/Getty ImagesSpeaking on the Fried Egg Golf Podcast, Zalatoris was asked to name a player who flies under the radar, and he didn’t hesitate to highlight Miles Russell.“I will say this, and I hate ever saying this, like putting any pressure, I don’t even want to put expectations on that kid,” Zalatoris began. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“He’s such a good kid, and he won’t even care that I said this, but Miles Russell, who’s the 17 year old, who’s going to Florida State.“I’m just telling you, like, I grew up with Jordan (Spieth), I grew up with Scottie (Scheffler).“Rahm was the guy when I was in college.“Like, this kid’s 17, and he’s so mature.