Justin Thomas has been cleared for “full golf activity” as he continues his recovery from back surgery, the golfer announced Tuesday on Instagram. Thomas underwent a microdiscectomy to address a disc issue causing hip pain, and has now received medical clearance to resume practicing and playing.
“After follow-up imaging and a meeting with my doctor and team, I am officially cleared to play golf!” Thomas posted. “It feels great to be able to swing freely and gain some reps on the course. Working hard to build strength and endurance and get back into golf shape before competing in the @pgatour. Looking forward to playing with the guys!”
Currently ranked 12th in the Official World Golf Ranking, Thomas did not specify a target date for his competitive return, though he indicated last month that he was eyeing the Florida Swing on the PGA Tour. The Florida Swing begins with the Cognizant Classic, scheduled for February 26 to March 1, approximately 30 minutes from his home in Jupiter, Florida.
The swing then moves to the Arnold Palmer Invitational in Orlando, followed by The Players Championship from March 12-15 in Ponte Vedra Beach. Thomas, 32, is a 16-time PGA Tour winner, including the PGA Championship in 2017 and 2022. He had a strong 2025 season, winning the RBC Heritage and finishing in the top 10 eight times. He finished the year ranked fifth, but has since fallen to 12th. His last event was a solo 69th place finish at the Procore Championship in September.
Thomas was subsequently a member of the losing United States Ryder Cup team at Bethpage Black, New York, in the same month. In August 2024, Thomas secured his spot in the TOUR Championship after a nerve-wracking flight, carding a 66 in the first round. He had initially flown home to South Florida due to uncertainty surrounding his FedExCup standings, only returning to Atlanta after confirming his participation.
Thomas also competed in the inaugural season of TGL, where his team, Atlanta Drive GC, won the SoFi Cup Championship in March 2025.
