Happy days are here for internet icon Zalatoris
WILL POWER: Zalatoris’s Twitter exchange with Sandler about his look-alike in film Happy Gilmore
WILL ZALATORIS had already been nicknamed ‘Showtime’ by former Masters champion Patrick Reed.
“Why?” said the 2018 winner. “Because he’s supposed to be in Hollywood. He’s supposed to be in films.”
Even though Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama claimed the coveted Masters title, the American runner-up seemed to win the internet.
He stole some of the spotlight at the weekend as fans pointed out his likeness to Owen Wilson, Wayne Gretzky, Princess Diana and a caddie in the 1996 Happy Gilmore film.
Before his final round, Adam Sandler, who played the main character, tweeted him: “Have fun today young man. Mr Gilmore is watching you and very proud.”
After his closing 70, the new world No.27 replied: “If you are ever in need of a caddie again let me know. I’ll be better this time. I’m always available for you, Mr Gilmore.”
Zalatoris did not get the fairy-tale ending to his Augusta debut by becoming the first rookie winner since Fuzzy Zoeller in 1979.
But the 24-year-old certainly showed he has the star quality to be a leading man on the big stage for years to come. He said: “It was an absolute dream to be out there competing for The Masters.
“To be in a situation that I’ve been dreaming about for 20 years.
“It was a fun week. To come up one shot short is very motivating.
“I’m excited to come back in future years and hopefully be one shot better.”
The tall, blond American of Greek origin already has quite a story.
“Seventeen months ago I didn’t even have my card on the Korn Ferry development tour,” said Zalatoris.
The former Walker Cup star finished tied sixth at the 2020 US Open and was invited to The Masters after cracking the world’s top 50.
He then shot opening rounds of 70 and 68 in the company of former winner Bernhard Langer.
“He’s a very confident player,” said Langer.
“I already thought he was special on TV, then I experienced him in person and I’d definitely agree he’s going to be one of the stars of the future.”
Zalatoris, left, who played alongside Justin Rose on the third day, said after his first round: “Kind of the joke that I’ve been saying with my family is if I’m stupid enough to think I can play here, I’m stupid enough to think I can win it.”
Instead, he was the first Masters rookie to finish as solo runner-up since Dan Pohl in 1982.
Jordan Spieth led after three rounds on his debut in 2014 before finishing tied second. He returned to win the Green Jacket the following year.