GOLF: Justin Thomas cleared to return following back surgery

Two-time major champion Justin Thomas announced Tuesday that he has been cleared for “all golf activity” as he continues his recovery from back surgery in November.

“After some follow-up imaging and meeting with my doctor and team, I’m officially cleared for all golf activity!,” Thomas wrote 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 the @PGATour. Can’t wait to get out there with the guys!”

Currently ranked 12th in the Official World Golf Ranking, Thomas has not specified a target date for his return to competition. However, he previously mentioned he is eyeing the PGA Tour’s Florida swing, which kicks off with the Cognizant Classic from Feb. 26 to March 1, just a short drive from his home in Jupiter.

The tour then moves to the Arnold Palmer Invitational in Orlando, followed by The Players Championship from March 12-15 in Ponte Vedra Beach.

Thomas underwent a microdiscectomy, a procedure designed to relieve a disc issue that had been causing him hip pain.

At 32, Thomas is a 16-time PGA Tour winner, including victories at the PGA Championship in 2017 and 2022. He had a strong 2025 season, winning the RBC Heritage and finishing in the top 10 on eight occasions.

He reached as high as No. 4 in the world rankings and closed 2025 at fifth, though he has since dropped to 12th following a solo 69th finish at the Procore Championship in September. Later that month, he was part of the United States Ryder Cup team that lost at Bethpage Black in New York.

—Field Level Media/Reuters