Will Zalatoris’ Classy Gesture After Losing U.S. Open Perfectly Defines Why Golf Is a Gentleman’s Game

Published 06/20/2022, 12:30 PM EDT

We all know golf is a gentlemen’s game and a wholesome sport. Unlike other sports, you rarely see players cussing one other while competing in golf. Moreover, the 2022 U.S. Open runner-up Will Zalatoris is a prime example of why golf is a gentlemen’s sport.

He missed the putt for a playoff at the 2022 U.S. Open, which meant Matt Fitzpatrick won his first-ever major championship. However, soon after the loss, Zalatoris went up to Matt’s parents and said, “If I had to lose to anyone, I’m happy it was your son.”

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This act has got Will Zalatoris plenty of praise from everyone. And this is what this sport is all about. You give your best every minute, but as the game concludes, you leave off the on-course rivalries.

Why Will Zalatoris deserves appreciation for his class act?

Will Zalatoris was on the verge of forcing a playoff against Matt Fitzpatrick at the 2022 U.S. Open. However, he missed the putt, and the English golfer won his first major championship. Additionally, Zalatoris has been knocking on the doors of a major championship victory for a while now. But he has failed to break it through and become a champion.

Zalatoris has three runner-up finishes in major events so far. Furthermore, he was co-leading the event going into the final day. It was tough for Will to control his emotions after falling short of victory. But the 25-year-old golfer handled himself to perfection and did not express his disappointment while walking off the course.

Meanwhile, Matt Fitzpatrick carded -2 for the day and remained -6, while Will Zalatoris carded -1 and remained at -5 to finish the event tied second with Scottie Scheffler. Zalatoris was in the top half of the leaderboard since day one. He was in complete control of his game and was one of the favorites going into the final round. But sadly, he choked once again when it mattered the most.

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Will Zalatoris is such a class act. After he missed the putt for a playoff, he went up to Matt Fitzpatrick’s parents and said: “If I had to lose to anyone, I’m happy it was your son.”
— Dan Rapaport (@Daniel_Rapaport) June 20, 2022

Moreover, we have seen players losing their temper after struggling at the last moment. Hence, the 25-year-old American golfer deserves applause for this incredibly kind gesture. Meanwhile, we hope Zalatoris will break the barrier soon and lift a major championship or a PGA Tour event.

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So what do you have to say about this class act of the 25-year-old Will Zalatoris? Do let us know in the comments section below.

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Written by:

Amey Kulkarni is a Golf writer at EssentiallySports. He is currently pursuing his Bachelor’s degree in mass media from HR College, Mumbai. Before joining EssentiallySports he used to write articles on Golf and Cricket on his personal blog cricgolf.

Edited by:

Jito Tenson

Will Zalatoris’ Classy Gesture After Losing U.S. Open Perfectly Defines Why Golf Is a Gentleman’s Game

Why Will Zalatoris deserves appreciation for his class act?

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