Justin Thomas to Play in TGL Match Before Potential PGA Tour Return

The 16-time PGA Tour winner is set to compete in an Atlanta Drive match on Monday, February 23rd.

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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Justin Thomas will play competitively for the first time since undergoing microdiscectomy surgery last November, competing for the Atlanta Drive in a TGL match on Monday, February 23rd. Thomas has yet to commit to any events on the PGA Tour's Florida swing, but his appearance in the TGL match could signal a potential return to the Tour in the coming weeks.

Why it matters

Thomas is a 16-time PGA Tour winner, including two major championships, and was ranked 8th in the world when he announced he would undergo back surgery in November 2025. His return to competitive golf is highly anticipated, as he is one of the top players on the PGA Tour.

The details

Thomas will play in Atlanta's 5 p.m. ET match against Boston Common at the SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Atlanta is currently 2-1 this season in the new TGL league, with Chris Gotterup serving as the team's main alternate. Thomas has not played competitively since the Ryder Cup in September 2025, but has been fully cleared for golf activities since February 10th.

  • Justin Thomas announced on social media this week that he will play competitively for the first time since undergoing microdiscectomy surgery.
  • Thomas will compete for the Atlanta Drive on Monday, February 23, 2026.
  • The Florida swing on the PGA Tour starts on February 26, 2026 with the Cognizant Classic in Palm Beach Gardens.

The players

Justin Thomas

A 16-time PGA Tour winner, including two major championships, who was ranked 8th in the world when he announced he would undergo back surgery in November 2025.

Chris Gotterup

The main alternate player for the Atlanta Drive team in the TGL league.

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What they’re saying

“You know what @lukebryan, I think that's a great idea. See you Monday.”

— Justin Thomas (Twitter)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Thomas' return to competitive golf, starting with the TGL match on Monday, will be closely watched as he looks to regain his form and potentially make a return to the PGA Tour in the coming weeks. His performance and recovery will be an important storyline to follow in the early part of the 2026 season.