Justin Thomas returns after taking time to recover from surgery

Justin Thomas is playing this week at the Arnold Palmer Invitational after a microdiscectomy on Nov. 13 and a nearly six-month break; he deliberately extended his rehab timeline and only resumed full golf activity after the new year.

Justin Thomas is at the Bay Hill Club this week for the Arnold Palmer Invitational, his first tournament since the Ryder Cup. He underwent a microdiscectomy for a herniated disk on Nov. 13 and then stepped away from competition for nearly six months. Thomas said he deliberately stretched rehabilitation timelines instead of rushing back and waited until after the new year to resume much golf activity. He began hitting drivers about a month ago and has adjusted expectations for being competitively rusty this week. Key facts: - Thomas had a microdiscectomy on Nov. 13 for a herniated disk. - He took nearly six months away from competition and is playing his first event of the year at Bay Hill. - Symptoms began as hip pain and intermittent numbness that was later found to be related to his back after MRI testing. - He intentionally extended rehab steps (opting for later start points within recommended timelines). - Thomas said his golf feels good but he expects some competitive rust and is focusing on mental pacing during long rounds. Summary: Thomas’s return this week is intended as a cautious step to assess his readiness after surgery and a prolonged break. Undetermined at this time.