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Fearless Zalatoris has golf world talking

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Will Zalatoris made a big statement by finishing runner up at the Masters as a debutant.
Camera IconWill Zalatoris made a big statement by finishing runner up at the Masters as a debutant. Credit: EPA

The golf world has fallen in love with Will Zalatoris, the little-known but fearless Masters debutant who claimed outright second place.

Golf coach Jonathan Yarwood typified the reaction after watching the 24-year-old rookie's stunning performance to finish just one shot behind Hideki Matsuyama at the treacherous Augusta National.

"I've got a new favourite player. I could watch Zalatoris play all day," Yarwood tweeted.

"He looks like a kid, plays like a kid but scores like a pro.

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"Totally loves golf, loves competing. Unpolished and natural player, just a gun-slinger.

"So refreshing. Plays golf how it should be."

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Skinny, blond Californian Zalatoris' progress has taken most by surprise, having turned pro just three years ago after leaving college and struggling initially.

But he got into the Masters late by breaking into the world top 50 rankings while playing the US PGA Tour on special temporary membership.

That came after he was got into last year's US Open as a leading player on the secondary tour, when there was no qualifying due to COVID-19, and finished tied sixth at Winged Foot.

Now Zalatoris has achieved star status to go with his $1,242,000 ($A1.6m) in prize money from the season's first major.

Two-time Masters champion Bernhard Langer was one of his playing partners this week.

"I've watched him a bit on television the last few months or year or so, and already thought he was special on TV," Langer said.

"And then I experienced him in person and I would definitely agree. He's going to be one of the stars for the future, I think.

"You look at him, he's fairly skinny, but man, does he hit the golf ball."

For Zalatoris a big secret to his success appears to lie in his unflappable, fiercely-competitive demeanour.

"I've wanted to be in this position my entire life," he said.

"I don't need to shy away from it now. I've made it this far. Why now be timid?

"I thought I did a really good job of enjoying the moment but not letting it get to me, too."

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