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Justin Thomas shares injury update following November surgery

Originally posted on HITC | By Guadalupe Carniel | Last updated Jan 8, 2026 6:21 AM ET

The two-time major champion has offered fresh insight into his recovery as he prepares for a crucial 2026 campaign.

Justin Thomas has been sidelined for the past couple of months after undergoing back surgery in November, an operation that initially threatened to delay his start to the 2026 PGA Tour season. The former world number one had already acknowledged that he might miss several early events as he focused on rehabilitation.

After a difficult period of form over recent seasons — with his victory at the RBC Heritage in April 2025 standing as a rare highlight — Thomas entered the new year determined to reset. His struggles in major championships have been particularly concerning, and the decision to address his back issues appears to be part of a broader effort to rebuild his game for 2026.

Thomas provides encouraging update on recovery

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Returning from any form of back surgery presents a significant challenge for professional golfers, a reality well illustrated by the career of Tiger Woods. With that in mind, Thomas has been understandably cautious about expectations regarding his return to full strength.

However, the early signs are promising. On Wednesday, Thomas posted an update on Instagram revealing that he has begun working on his short game again, sharing his excitement about slowly resuming chipping and putting as his recovery progresses.

A defining season lies ahead for Thomas

With 2026 approaching, Thomas knows that rediscovering his best form is essential. He remains confident that his peak performance is capable of competing with the world’s elite, and the recent surgery may ultimately prove beneficial if it has relieved long-standing discomfort.

Whether his finest years are still to come or already behind him remains one of the season’s key questions. What is certain is that Thomas’ performances in the months ahead will offer the clearest answer — and many fans will be hoping to see him back on the PGA Tour sooner rather than later.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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