Justin Thomas Undergoes Surgery and Delays 2026 Season Return

Two-time PGA Championship winner Justin Thomas shared on Instagram that he has undergone a successful microdiscectomy surgery. This procedure was done to fix a disc problem in his back that had caused him hip pain for many months. Thomas explained that the pain slowly got worse, and an MRI showed that surgery was needed. He thanked the medical team at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York for their support and care during the procedure.

In his message, Thomas said he had been dealing with nagging hip pain for months. Even after taking time off, the discomfort only grew. Doctors found that a disc issue was causing the pain, and surgery was the best way to treat it. After the procedure, Thomas was quickly released from the hospital and told his fans that he was ready to begin the long recovery journey.

Thomas shared that the next few weeks of his life will be focused on complete rest. Only after this resting period will he begin the rehabilitation process. He expressed confidence in his medical and training team and said he believes they will help him return stronger and healthier than before. Thomas made it clear that recovery comes first, and he is hopeful about his long-term future in golf.

Although Thomas faced physical challenges, he still had a solid season. He won the RBC Heritage after a playoff against Andrew Novak, marking his first tournament win in three years. However, the year was not easy in major championships. He missed the cut at the PGA Championship and the U.S. Open. His performances in the Masters and the Open Championship were also below his usual standards, as he finished outside the top 30 in both events.

Thomas ended his competitive year on a positive note. At the Ryder Cup, he delivered a balanced performance, finishing with two wins and two losses. His highlight came in the singles match, where he defeated Tommy Fleetwood. This final victory gave him confidence and helped close his season on an encouraging note.

Even with the injuries and tough results in some events, Thomas continued to show his strength as a competitor. He finished the season ranked No. 8 in the Official World Golf Rankings. He also finished as a runner-up three times and made eight top-10 finishes. These results showed that he remained one of the most skilled and consistent golfers on the tour.

Thomas made it very clear that he will not rush back. He told fans not to expect any exact date for his return. He said that while he will miss several tournaments in early 2026, his goal is to let the disc heal fully so the problem does not return. Thomas believes golf is a sport where athletes can play at a high level for many years, and he wants to protect his future by being patient now.

The next PGA Tour season begins on January 15 with the Sony Open in Hawaii. After that come the American Express, Farmers Insurance Open, WM Phoenix Open, and the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Thomas is likely to miss the Sony Open and several of these early events as he continues healing. His main goal is to return only when he feels 100 percent ready.

Fans, fellow players, and analysts hope to see Thomas return fully healthy. At his best, he is one of the most complete and talented golfers in the world. The surgery gives him a chance to recover without rushing, and many believe he will return stronger and ready to compete for more major wins.