Justin Thomas confirms PGA Tour return at Arnold Palmer Invitational after back surgery

Justin Thomas has confirmed he will return to PGA Tour action at the Arnold Palmer Invitational next week following back surgery late last year.

The two-time PGA champion made his competitive comeback in TGL on Monday night at the SoFi Center, where his Atlanta Drive GC side defeated Rory McIlroy's Boston Common Golf by a scoreline of 5-2. 

While the indoor format provided a first taste of competition, Thomas admits Bay Hill will mark the true test of his recovery.

Speaking during his comeback TGL appearance, Thomas said: “It’s great, I’ve missed it. It’s been a long time but it’s good to be back here playing and feel the competitiveness and the juices and get back playing again. I’ve watched these guys on TV for what feels like a really long time.”

The 32-year-old has not teed it up on the PGA Tour since featuring in the Ryder Cup in late September. 

He underwent a microdiscectomy on 13 November to alleviate persistent lower back pain, with the procedure typically requiring around three months of recovery.

Despite the controlled environment of TGL, Thomas admitted he felt some early nerves on his return.

“I had adrenaline going,” he said after flying his opening 110-yard wedge over the green and into a bunker.

In total, he struck 12 shots (excluding putts), including a 36-foot chip from off the green.

Reflecting on the unique TGL setup, he added: “With the slope it was going to be really, really difficult to find the fault line. You can clip it pretty good off the green.”

Thomas, who resides in Tequesta, revealed he had been dealing with “nagging” hip pain for several months towards the end of last season before opting for surgery. 

The former World No.1 had previously announced via social media that he would ease back into competition with a TGL appearance before returning to the PGA Tour.

Now his focus shifts to Bay Hill, where he will make his fifth start at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. 

Thomas' best finish at the famed Florida venue came in 2024 when he tied for 12th.

McIlroy, who faced Thomas in TGL as part of Boston Common, welcomed his return.

“He’s been out a little while – it looks like his rehab went really, really well,” said the grand slam champion, who lost by one shot to Jacob Bridgeman at the Genesis Invitational on Sunday. 

“It sucks when you have to go through something like that and have surgery. It looks like he’s come back out the other side.”

The $20m Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill will mark the third Signature Event of the season.

The winner will take home $4m. 

Russell Henley is the defending champion.