Zalatoris comes up short in quest for first PGA Tour win

TULSA, Okla. — If there’s ever a player who’s due to break through with a victory it’s Will Zalatoris, who was edged out in a playoff by Justin Thomas in Sunday’s final round of the 104th PGA Championship at Southern Hills.

The 25-year-old Zalatoris, who’s still seeking his first PGA Tour victory, has been at his best in major championships, with a runner-up at the 2021 Masters, a tie for sixth this year at Augusta, a tie for sixth at the 2020 U.S. Open, a tie for eighth at last year’s PGA and now Sunday’s PGA runner-up finish.

“I fought like crazy all day,’’ Zalatoris, who shot a 1-over-par 71 in regulation Sunday and was 1-under in the three-hole playoff, said. “Pretty proud of the result that I had. I think [Saturday] was really the day that looking back on it, I was pretty frustrated with (he shot 73).

“I’m obviously pretty proud to be sitting in this position considering Saturday, never thought I would have been standing here. I’m pretty excited where my game is at for sure and I know I’m going to get one. Just a matter of time.’’

➤ Mito Pereira was pure class after losing the lead on the final hole when he hit his tee shot into the creek that runs down the left side of the 18th fairway.

“It’s not how I wanted to end up this week, but really good result,’’ the 27-year-old from Chile said. “Played really good. Today I was really nervous. I tried to handle it a little bit but it’s really tough. I thought I was going to win on 18, but it is what it is. We’ll have another one.

“I just played really good golf, three days. Get a little bit of experience for this fourth in the final group on a tough course that you have to hit it well. If not, you’re going to shoot 5-over. I just didn’t hit it really well today, and for next time, I’ll just be a little bit more prepared.’’

➤ Rory McIlroy is getting sick of this. His major championship drought, which dates back eight years, appears to be getting to the 33-year-old from Northern Ireland.

McIlroy, who started the week by taking the first-round lead with a 5-under-par 65, followed that by playing himself out of the lead — and contention — with a secondround 71 and a third-round 74.

On Sunday, McIlroy appeared on his way to another too-little-too-late rally, mounting a run with consecutive birdies on Nos. 2, 3, 4 and 5 to get to 2-under par for the tournament. That, however, is where the run ended as he parred his way on from No. 6 and finished 2-under for the day and the tournament.