Justin Thomas returning from back surgery Monday in TGL match

• Thomas underwent a microdiscectomy in November to address pain in his lower back.
• The 16-time PGA Tour winner last played competitively at the Ryder Cup in September.

Justin Thomas' return from back surgery will include a warmup at TGL before possibly returning to a PGA Tour event on the Florida Swing.

The Tequesta resident announced on social media this week he will play competitively for the first time since undergoing microdiscectomy surgery - competing for the Atlanta Drive on Monday, Feb. 23.

Thomas will play in Atlanta's 5 p.m. match against Boston Common at the SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens. Atlanta also plays Los Angeles at 9 p.m.

Thomas replied to a video from country music star Luke Bryan, an Atlanta Drive limited partner, who said he would be attending the match and added "maybe it's time" for Thomas to return.

"You know what @lukebryan, I think that’s a great idea. See you Monday," Thomas wrote.

Thomas posted in January his plan for the PGA Tour was to "come back competitively at some point during the Florida swing." Thomas has yet to commit for any of the four events. The Florida swing starts Feb. 26 with the Cognizant Classic in Palm Beaches at PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens.

Thomas, 32, announced on social media he had a microdiscectomy Nov. 13 to alleviate pain in his lower back. The procedure typically includes a three-month recovery period.

The 16-time PGA Tour winner, including two major championships, helped Atlanta win the inaugural TGL championship. Atlanta is 2-1 this season. Chris Gotterup has been Atlanta's main alternate, playing all three matches.

Thomas last played competitively at the Ryder Cup in September. He announced Feb. 10 he was fully cleared for golf activities.

Thomas was ranked No. 8 in the world when he made the announcement he had been experiencing "nagging hip pain" for months and would have the surgery. He currently is No. 14.

Tom D'Angelo is a senior sports columnist and reporter for The Palm Beach Post. He can be reached at [email protected].