Will Zalatoris (back) WDs from The CJ Cup Byron Nelson

Will Zalatoris withdrew from The CJ Cup Byron Nelson due to a flare-up with his surgically repaired back.

Zalatoris, 27, underwent back surgery following the 2023 Masters and was sidelined until January, when he returned and finished 20th out of a 20-man field at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas.

"My back needs some rest and recovery," the 30th-ranked Zalatoris wrote Tuesday on Instagram. "I am ahead of schedule according to my doctors, but unfortunately the first six months back are the most important for the longterm health of my back. I need to be prudent to make sure I don't miss a big chunk of time again. I hate that a flare-up happened during one of my favorite weeks all year, but knew something like this was a possibility early on in my return to golf."

Nick Watney will replace the Dallas-area native at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas. Jason Day is the defending champion of the event.

Zalatoris has one career PGA Tour victory (2022 FedEx St. Jude Championship) under his belt, although he has runner-up finishes at the 2021 Masters, 2022 PGA Championship and 2022 U.S. Open.