JUPITER, Fla., Dec. 23, 2025 – The 2026 golf calendar is less than a month away, but three of the sport’s biggest names remain on the treatment table. Tiger Woods, Justin Thomas, and Bubba Watson are all ruled out of immediate action following late-2025 surgeries, with their return timelines ranging from “optimistic” to “indefinite.”
The Casualty List
News broke Monday that Tiger Woods is recovering from a disc replacement procedure performed in October—his seventh back surgery to date. The 49-year-old, who also suffered a ruptured Achilles earlier this year, has not swung a club competitively since missing the cut at The Open in July 2024. He is currently restricted to chipping and putting.
Justin Thomas is also sidelined. After a resurgence in 2025 that saw him capture the RBC Heritage, Thomas underwent a microdiscectomy in November to resolve a lingering disc issue. He confirmed he will miss the start of the PGA Tour season.
Meanwhile, LIV Golf captain Bubba Watson is targeting a February return for the league’s opener after October surgery on his left hand.
Analysis: The “Senior” Question for Woods
The tactical implication of Woods’ latest setback is not just about his swing speed—it’s about his schedule. Woods turns 50 next year, making him eligible for the PGA Tour Champions in 2026.
While Woods has historically dismissed the idea of the senior circuit, the physiological reality is undeniable. His body can no longer sustain the 72-hole walking demands of the main tour. The Champions Tour allows carts, a concession that could be the only bridge back to competitive golf for a player with a fused back and a reconstructed leg. If the “walking” mandate remains his barrier to the Majors, 2026 might be the year he finally accepts the cart and the 50+ circuit as a rehabilitation tool.
For Thomas, the concern is mechanical. A microdiscectomy for a player who relies on aggressive ground force and high spinal rotation is risky. His 2025 swing adjustments produced a win at Harbour Town, but his medical team will likely demand a flatter, more neutral swing plane to protect his lumbar spine upon return.
By The Numbers: The Road to Recovery
| Player | Age | 2025 Highlight | Primary Injury | Target Return |
| Tiger Woods | 49 | Hosted Hero World Challenge | Back (Disc Replacement) | Indefinite (Poss. Champions Tour) |
| Justin Thomas | 32 | Won RBC Heritage | Back (Microdiscectomy) | Late Q1 2026 |
| Bubba Watson | 47 | RangeGoats Captaincy | Left Hand | Feb 2026 (LIV Opener) |
Voices from the Field
“My rehabilitation is progressing steadily, but I will miss the start of the 2026 season. I expect to sit out a couple of events while completing recovery.” – Justin Thomas, on his post-Ryder Cup status.
The Bottom Line
Watson’s timeline is the clearest, with a fixed February deadline for LIV. Thomas faces a delicate rehab to protect his career longevity, while Woods enters 2026 fighting not just for a tour card, but for basic mobility. The opening tee shots of 2026 will ring out without them, shifting the burden of stardom to the next generation until the veterans can clear medical.
