Justin Thomas to make PGA Tour return at Arnold Palmer Invitational

Thomas last played in August 2025 due to injury, looking to regain top form at prestigious event.

Feb. 24, 2026 at 1:08am

Former world No. 1 golfer Justin Thomas will make his return to the PGA Tour next week at the Arnold Palmer Invitational in Orlando, Florida. Thomas has been sidelined since August 2025 due to a nagging injury but is eager to get back on the course and compete against the top players in the game.

Why it matters

Thomas is one of the most popular and successful players on the PGA Tour, having won 14 career events including a major championship. His return will be closely watched as he looks to regain his top form and challenge for more titles in 2026.

The details

Thomas last competed at the 2025 BMW Championship, where he was forced to withdraw due to a back injury. He has spent the past several months rehabbing and preparing for his return to competitive golf. The Arnold Palmer Invitational is considered one of the premier events on the PGA Tour schedule, making it an ideal tournament for Thomas to make his comeback.

  • Thomas last played in August 2025 at the BMW Championship.
  • The Arnold Palmer Invitational will take place next week in Orlando, Florida.

The players

Justin Thomas

A 14-time PGA Tour winner and former world No. 1 golfer who is making his return to competitive play after an injury layoff.

Tiger Woods

A 15-time major champion who recently discussed Brooks Koepka's return to the PGA Tour, saying he is an "additive" to the tour.

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What they’re saying

“I want to and would love to play well next week but I'm also understanding it'll be five, six months since I played a competitive tournament,”

— Justin Thomas

What’s next

Thomas will look to shake off any rust and contend for the title at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, which could serve as a springboard for the rest of his 2026 season.

The takeaway

The return of a top player like Justin Thomas is always a big event on the PGA Tour, as fans and media alike will be eager to see if he can regain his elite form and challenge for more major championships and tournament wins.