JT's Grueling Rehab: From Floor Drills to PGA Tour Comeback

Professional golfer Justin Thomas has shared details of his challenging recovery following a microdiscectomy surgery in November 2025 to address a herniated disc. Initially, his rehabilitation consisted solely of breathing drills and glute activation, with strict limitations on bending, lifting, or twisting. This phase lasted four weeks, followed by a progression to stationary biking and more structured movements, often documented through social media. Thomas described this period as 'stir-crazy,' feeling a lack of progress despite daily efforts.

His recovery journey impacted his participation in several scheduled events, including the revived Skins Game and the Hero World Challenge. Thomas's return to the golf course began in February 2026 after clearing full golf activity. His PGA Tour comeback at the Arnold Palmer Invitational was met with a challenging performance, which he characterized as a disaster. However, he subsequently demonstrated significant improvement with consecutive 68s at the Players Championship and secured a T4 finish at the PGA Championship at Aronimink.

With the Colonial tournament marking his first start since the PGA Championship, Thomas is looking ahead to a busy schedule. This includes the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills in June 2026 and the Genesis Scottish Open in July 2026, leading into the Open Championship. This demanding summer stretch will serve as a key indicator of the success of his comprehensive comeback from a six-month rehabilitation period.