Will Zalatoris enjoyed a pretty epic and successful time at Augusta National last week and admits the outcome of his Masters debut has not completely hit home yet.
Not only did he become an online sensation with people comparing him to the caddie from the famous 1996 golf movie ‘Happy Gilmore’ –even actor Adam Sandler cracked a joke with him – but he also walked away with a runners-up place for the Green Jacket.
READ: On the lighter side: Adam Sandler jokes with Zalatoris
Ahead of this week’s RBC Heritage in Hilton Head, the 24-year-old said it’s been quite a ride so far.
‘I think none of that will really sink in until I get home. It’s definitely different, going and picking up some food and people asking for autographs or pictures,’ he explained.
‘I kind of humble myself and say, “I didn’t win, I finished second”. It’s like, I’ve felt like I’ve been getting some treatment like I won, but to me it’s funny. I enjoy it, interacting with the fans. They’re the ones that we play for.’
Zalatoris embraced the attention that came from on and off the golf course as he interacted with Sandler and pushed Hideki Matsuyama all the way on Sunday.
‘I still wish I could put into words how much fun I actually had,’ Zalatoris added.
‘I was able to appreciate playing in my first Masters because, of course, like I’ve said, I really haven’t taken anything for granted over the last two years.
‘It’s a crazy wild ride that I’ve enjoyed every single minute of it. To be in contention on a Sunday at Augusta was obviously a dream come true. Obviously to come up one short will sting forever, but I know that I can contend against the best players in the world, and I know I’m capable of getting those two shots somewhere pretty soon.’
He will face another tough test of competition in South Carolina from Thursday where a strong field is set to battle it out on the PGA Tour.
World No 1 Dustin Johnson, Patrick Cantlay, Collin Morikawa and Tommy Fleetwood are just some of the names in action this weekend.
