Multiple PGA Tour winner outlines comeback plans

Justin Thomas has revealed when he is hoping to return to the PGA Tour. 

Thomas, 32, has been out of action since representing the United States at the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black last September. 

The two-time major champion had back surgery, similar to Tiger Woods, after enduring some "nagging hip pain for a handful of months".

Thomas ruled himself out of the West Coast swing but revealed in his latest Instagram update that he's hopeful of teeing it up in February or March. 

That would mean Thomas could be back in action at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, Valspar Championship or even the coveted Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass. 

"Ten weeks post surgery today," he wrote. "Feeling good! Recovery has gone well. 

"I'm slowly building back my strength and conditioning in the gym, and also hitting wedges/short irons. 

"Little victories and patience have been the biggest part of the process. Taking it slow and listening to how I'm feeling each day.

"I'm looking to come back competitively at some point during the Florida swing. 

"I know how important it is to get this injury behind me so that I'm only looking forward over the course of the season."

Thomas also posted snaps of his rehab sessions in the gym, as well as video clips making full swings. 

He had a microdiscectomy procedure to treat a problematic spinal disc in his lower back. 

The surgery was done in November. It is a minimally invasive surgery, with experts suggesting it takes at least three months to return to competition. 

The aforementioned Woods went under the knife in October and has not outlined when he plans to return to the sport. 

Woods, now 50, has not played in an OWGR-accredited event since the 2024 Open Championship at Royal Troon. 

As for Thomas, when he returns to the course he will be hopeful of adding to his tally of 16 PGA Tour wins. 

Thomas won the RBC Heritage last April, ending a winless stretch on the PGA Tour that had lasted two years and 10 months.