Justin Thomas made his competitive return in a TGL match on February 23, helping the Atlanta Drive defeat the Boston Common 5-2, before announcing his PGA Tour comeback at the Arnold Palmer Invitational next week. The 16-time winner underwent microdiscectomy surgery in November to address nagging hip pain from a disc issue. He showed signs of rust but expressed optimism about regaining form at Bay Hill Club & Lodge.
Justin Thomas, a two-time major champion from Louisville, Kentucky, returned to competitive golf on February 23, 2026, at the SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Playing for the defending TGL champion Atlanta Drive, he contributed to a 5-2 victory over the Boston Common, though he admitted to struggling with rust after months away.
Thomas last competed in the Ryder Cup in September 2025 before undergoing microdiscectomy surgery on November 13 to alleviate lower back pain caused by a disc issue. The procedure, which typically requires a three-month recovery, sidelined him through the early part of the 2026 season. He has been cleared for full golf activities for about a month and reports his swing speed is nearly back to normal.
"The rehab has been good," Thomas said. "It's really just been about getting used to playing more, walking golf courses when I'm playing." During the TGL match, his first shot—a 110-yard wedge—flew over the green into a bunker due to adrenaline. He hit 12 shots overall, including a near-perfect chip from 36 feet off the green. Despite misses, he sank the clinching putt for the win.
Thomas will make his fifth PGA Tour start at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, scheduled for March 5-8 at Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando, Florida. His best finish there is a tie for 12th in 2024. "I'm excited to get back and play Bay Hill next week," he said, adding that it has been nearly five or six months since his last tournament.
Fellow player Rory McIlroy, who competes for the Boston Common, welcomed Thomas back: "It's great to have him back." Thomas, who helped lead Atlanta Drive to the inaugural TGL title, emphasized durability as his priority. "Playing injury-free is my main goal," he stated, noting he has 12 to 15 years of golf ahead.
The Arnold Palmer Invitational is one of the PGA Tour's Signature Events, known for its difficulty.
