Justin Thomas Set for PGA Tour Comeback at Arnold Palmer

Two-time Major champion returns to competitive golf after five-month absence due to surgery

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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After a five-month absence from professional golf due to surgery, two-time Major champion Justin Thomas has revealed his plans to return to the PGA Tour at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. His comeback is scheduled for Thursday, March 5, at Bay Hill, marking the end of his recovery and his readiness to resume competitive play on the PGA Tour.

Why it matters

Thomas's return marks a significant moment for the PGA Tour as one of its leading players resumes action following surgery. His journey reflects the resilience required to overcome injury setbacks and the challenges of returning to elite-level sport after time off.

The details

Thomas last competed on the PGA Tour in early September at the Procore Championship, where he finished 69th at the Silverado Resort's North Course. In November, he underwent microdiscectomy surgery to address persistent hip pain. Recovery from this type of back surgery usually takes around three months, and Thomas adhered closely to this timeline, receiving clearance for full golf activity in early February. Following his clearance, Thomas participated in the TGL Atlanta Drive double-header on Monday night, posting a 5-2 victory over Boston Common and a 7-3 loss to Los Angeles Golf Club.

  • Thomas last competed on the PGA Tour in early September 2025.
  • In November 2025, Thomas underwent microdiscectomy surgery.
  • Thomas received clearance for full golf activity in early February 2026.
  • Thomas will tee off at the Arnold Palmer Invitational on Thursday, March 5, 2026.

The players

Justin Thomas

A two-time Major champion and one of the leading players on the PGA Tour.

Rory McIlroy

A professional golfer and Ryder Cup rival of Justin Thomas.

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What they’re saying

“Obviously, he's been one of the best players over the last decade, and it always sucks when you have to go through something like that and have surgery, but it looks like he's come out the other side and looks like he's feeling pretty good. It's great to have him back.”

— Rory McIlroy, Professional Golfer

“So I'm not exactly expecting anything great. At least everybody else will be struggling with me at Bay Hill so that will make me feel a little bit better hopefully.”

— Justin Thomas, Professional Golfer

“The rehab has been good. It's really just been about getting used to playing more, walking golf courses when I'm playing. I've been able to practice pretty normal for at least a month.”

— Justin Thomas, Professional Golfer

What’s next

Thomas's participation in the Arnold Palmer Invitational will provide both fans and competitors a gauge of his current form and potential impact during the critical early season events.

The takeaway

Justin Thomas's reappearance marks a significant moment for the PGA Tour as one of its leading players resumes action following surgery, reflecting the resilience required to overcome injury setbacks and the challenges of returning to elite-level sport after time off.