US Open runner-up Zalatoris says major win is coming

BROOKLINE, Mass. : Will Zalatoris fell just short at the U.S. Open on Sunday for the third runner-up finish at a major in his young career but remains confident as ever that his day in the winner's circle will soon come.

Zalatoris, needing to drain a 14-foot birdie putt at the final hole to force a two-man U.S. Open playoff with Englishman Matt Fitzpatrick, watched in disbelief as his ball rolled just left of the cup.

"This one hurts in particular pretty hard, but it's motivating," said Zalatoris, the reigning PGA Tour rookie of the year. "I've got to keep doing what I'm doing. I know I'm going to get one sooner or later."

After finishing runner-up to Hideki Matsuyama at the 2021 Masters and losing in a two-man playoff to Justin Thomas at last month's PGA Championship, Zalatoris arrived at The Country Club this week looking to finally take the next step.

Zalatoris certainly had his chances as he entered the final round of the U.S. Open in a share of the lead with Fitzpatrick but fell off the pace with a pair of early bogeys.

But Zalatoris roared into the turn with three birdies over a scorching four-hole stretch to get within one before moving into a share of the lead when Fitzpatrick bogeyed the 10th.

Zalatoris was then the beneficiary of a two-shot swing at the par-three 11th where he made birdie and walked off the green in front after Fitzpatrick three-putted from 17 feet for bogey.

But Zalatoris was unable to pull away, carding bogeys at the 12th and 15th before rolling in a six-foot birdie at the par-three 16th that left him one shot back and set up a wild finish.

"It stings obviously. Obviously to have three runner-ups so far in my career in majors, but keep knocking on that door," said Zalatoris.

"We're obviously doing the