Returning to Golf
After Hip or Knee Replacement

Most patients can begin light putting and chipping around 6 weeks after surgery, with a full return to the course — including a full swing — by around 3 months, depending on how your individual recovery is progressing. Your surgical team will give you the go-ahead based on your strength, balance, and range of motion rather than a fixed date on the calendar.

Rather than heading straight back to 18 holes, most golfers do best easing back in gradually:

• Putting and chipping first — low-impact, minimal rotation, a good way to test balance and confidence
• Half-swings before full swings — build up rotational strength gradually
• A cart before walking the course — walking 18 holes is a lot of time on your feet early in recovery, so a cart is a good way to ease back in before adding that extra distance
• A few holes before a full round — fatigue affects form and balance, both of which matter for a new joint

The golf swing puts rotational force through the hips and knees, so physical therapy in the weeks leading up to your return often focuses on rebuilding hip and core rotation. Shorter, easier swings are gentler on your new joint in the beginning — save the full, aggressive swing for once you've built back your strength and confidence.