Justin Thomas Cleared for Full Golf Activity After Back Surgery

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Two-time major champion Justin Thomas has received medical clearance to resume full golf activity as he continues his recovery from back surgery performed in November. The announcement, made via Instagram, signals a significant step forward for the American golfer as he aims to make his return to competitive play on the PGA Tour.

Why it matters

Back injuries are common among professional golfers due to the repetitive twisting and bending motions involved in the swing. A successful recovery, like the one Thomas is experiencing, is vital for maintaining longevity and consistency in the sport. Thomas's return to full activity is a positive sign for his career trajectory, as he looks to regain his past successes that include two PGA Championship titles and a FedEx Cup championship.

The details

Thomas underwent a microdiscectomy, a procedure designed to alleviate a disc issue that had been causing hip pain. The 32-year-old boasts 16 PGA Tour victories, including wins at the PGA Championship in both 2017 and 2022. 2025 saw a resurgence for Thomas, highlighted by a victory at the RBC Heritage and eight top-10 finishes. However, he experienced a challenging 2023 and 2024, falling outside the top 30 in the world rankings for the first time in over seven years.

• Thomas underwent back surgery in November.
• He has now received medical clearance for 'full golf activity'.
• The Florida Swing on the PGA Tour, which includes The Cognizant Classic, Arnold Palmer Invitational, and The Players Championship, begins in late February and early March.

What’s next

Thomas has not yet specified a firm date for his return to competitive play, but he previously indicated his intention to participate in the Florida Swing on the PGA Tour, which begins with The Cognizant Classic on February 26th.