Justin Thomas (back) eyes potential return on Florida swing

Field Level Media|published: 01/23/2026, 9:47am EST

[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Sep 28, 2025; Bethpage, New York, USA; Team USA's Justin Thomas celebrates after winning the hole on the 12th hole during the singles on the final day of competition for the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Mcdermid-Reuters via Imagn Images

World No. 9 Justin Thomas said he's progressing well in his recovery from back surgery and is eyeing a return during the PGA Tour's Florida swing.

Thomas has been sidelined since undergoing a microdiscectomy in mid-November. The procedure alleviated a disc problem that had been causing hip pain.

"10 weeks post surgery today... feeling good!" Thomas wrote Thursday on X. "Recovery has gone well. I'm slowly building back my strength and conditioning in the gym, and also hitting wedges/short irons. Little victories and patience have been the biggest part of the process. Taking it slow and listening to how I'm feeling each day!

"I'm looking to come back competitively at some point during the Florida swing. I know how important it is to get this injury behind me so that I'm only looking forward over the course of the season."

10 weeks post surgery today... feeling good! Recovery has gone well. I'm slowly building back my strength and conditioning in the gym, and also hitting wedges/short irons. Little victories and patience have been the biggest part of the process. Taking it slow and listening to how... pic.twitter.com/vVmPvGUpsk
— Justin Thomas (@JustinThomas34) January 22, 2026

The Cognizant Classic begins the Florida swing on Feb. 26-March 1 in Palm Beach Gardens.

Thomas, 32, is a 16-time PGA event champion, having won the PGA Championship in 2017 and 2022. He is coming off a strong 2025, capturing the RBC Heritage and finishing in the top 10 on eight occasions.

--Field Level Media