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Bay Hill Today
By the People, for the People
Justin Thomas Looks to Carry Players Momentum into Valspar
The golfer is re-learning his form after a six-month break due to back surgery.
Mar. 19, 2026 at 5:10am
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Justin Thomas is still getting back into form after a six-month break from competition due to back surgery, but the early signs have been encouraging. Coming off a top-10 finish at The Players Championship, Thomas said he believes his game is capable of contending, even if doing so under tournament pressure is a different challenge. He is looking to build on that momentum at the Valspar Championship, where he was the runner-up last year.
Why it matters
Thomas' return to form is significant as he looks to regain his spot among the top golfers on the PGA Tour. The Valspar Championship is an important event leading into the busy spring schedule of major tournaments.
The details
Thomas missed the cut in his first tournament back at the Arnold Palmer Invitational but earned a top-10 finish with a tie for eighth at The Players Championship. He said he is still getting used to the pressure of tournament play after his long layoff. At the Valspar last year, Thomas bogeyed two of the final three holes to lose by one stroke to Norway's Viktor Hovland.
- Thomas underwent back surgery six months ago.
- He made his return at the Arnold Palmer Invitational in early March 2026.
- Thomas finished tied for 8th at The Players Championship the following week.
- The Valspar Championship is scheduled for March 2026.
The players
Justin Thomas
A professional golfer on the PGA Tour who is returning to competition after a six-month break due to back surgery.
Viktor Hovland
A professional golfer from Norway who won the Valspar Championship in 2025 by defeating Justin Thomas.
What they’re saying
“Last week was huge for me and very proud of myself, to be honest. Although I wish the weekend would have gone differently or better... So coming off of six months off competition definitely proud and happy of that and hopefully just get a little bit of momentum from last week going forward.”
— Justin Thomas
“I think it's one of the most underrated courses that we have. If you're not sharp or if you're not managing your game or emotions well, you can just make bogeys so fast.”
— Justin Thomas
What’s next
Thomas will look to build on his momentum from The Players Championship as he competes at the Valspar Championship in March 2026.
The takeaway
Justin Thomas' return to form after a lengthy injury layoff is an encouraging sign as he looks to regain his spot among the elite golfers on the PGA Tour. His performance at the upcoming Valspar Championship will be an important test as he prepares for the busy spring major championship schedule.
