Justin Thomas cleared to return following back surgery

Field Level Media|published: Tue 10th February, 18:38 2026

Aug 23, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Justin Thomas plays his shot from the third tee during the third round of the TOUR Championship golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Two-time major champion Justin Thomas announced Tuesday that he has been cleared for "all golf activity" as he progresses in his return from November back surgery.

"After some follow up imaging and meeting with my Dr and team, I'm officially cleared for all golf activity!," he posted on Instagram. "It feels great to be swinging freely again and getting some reps in on the course. I'm working hard to build up my strength and stamina to get back into golf shape before competing on @pgatour. Can't wait to get out there with the guys!"

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Currently 12th in the Official World Golf Ranking, Thomas did not provide a target for his return to competition, although he said last month that he was eyeing the PGA Tour's Florida swing. That begins with the Cognizant Classic, which takes place Feb. 26-March 1 about a half hour from Thomas' home in Jupiter.

From there, the tour moves to the Arnold Palmer Invitational, a signature event in Orlando ahead of the The Players Championship from March 12-15 in Ponte Vedra Beach.

Thomas underwent a microdiscectomy, a procedure intended to alleviate a disc problem that had been causing hip pain.

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.

He reached as high as No. 4 and closed the year ranked fifth, but has slid to 12th with Thomas' last event a solo 69th at the Procore Championship in September. He was then part of the losing United States Ryder Cup team at Bethpage Black in New York later that month.

--Field Level Media

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