When can I play golf after hip replacement?

Published guidance from the AAOS indicates that most patients can begin putting and chipping from 6 to 8 weeks after hip replacement, once hip precautions are lifted. A full golf swing is typically cleared from 12 to 16 weeks. Your surgeon will confirm at your post-operative reviews based on your individual recovery.

Is the golf swing safe for a hip replacement?

Published orthopaedic guidance indicates that a controlled golf swing is generally safe after full recovery from hip replacement. The key risk is excessive internal rotation of the operated hip during the downswing and follow-through. Many orthopaedic surgeons consider golf a suitable long-term sport after hip replacement, with minor swing modifications.

Should I walk the course or use a cart after hip replacement?

Published guidance indicates that using a cart is advisable when first returning to the course, typically from 8 to 12 weeks. Walking 18 holes places significant endurance demands on a recovering hip. Once you can comfortably walk for 45 to 60 minutes without increased pain or limping, walking 9 holes is a reasonable next step. Many patients walk comfortably by 4 to 6 months.

Do I need to change my golf swing after hip replacement?

Published guidance suggests minor modifications can reduce stress on the new hip: use a slightly wider stance for stability, allow the lead foot to rotate during the follow-through rather than keeping it planted, and avoid forcing excessive hip rotation. A shorter backswing may be needed initially. Many golfers find their swing returns to near-normal by 4 to 6 months.

Can I bend down to tee up the ball after hip replacement?

During the hip precaution period (typically the first 6 weeks), bending the hip past 90 degrees should be avoided. Use long-handled ball retrievers, tee-up tools, and suction cup putter attachments to avoid bending. Once hip precautions are lifted by your surgeon, bending to tee up should be comfortable.

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Golf after hip replacement

Sources · Last reviewed: Jul 2026

AAOSNHSNICEhealthdirect

Full sources ↗

Golf is one of the most commonly asked-about activities after hip replacement. Published guidance from the AAOS indicates that most patients can return to golf: but timing and technique adjustments matter. Here is what the evidence says about getting back on the course safely.

⚕️ General information only: not medical advice. Your surgeon's specific instructions always take priority. If you experience hip pain, instability, or clicking during golf, stop and contact your surgical team.

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Return to golf timeline

Published guidance from the AAOS and NHS indicates the following general timeline. Individual recovery varies: always confirm with your surgeon. (Last checked Jul 2026)

Weeks 0–6

Hip precaution period: no golf

Hip precautions are in place: no bending past 90 degrees, no crossing legs, no internal rotation. The golf swing violates these precautions. Use this time to build walking endurance; start with short walks and increase gradually.

Weeks 6–8

Putting and chipping (after surgeon clearance)

Once hip precautions are lifted at your 6-week review, published guidance indicates that putting and gentle chipping can begin. These involve minimal hip rotation. Use a long-handled ball retriever to avoid bending. Practice on the putting green before heading to the course.

Weeks 12–16

Full swing: start with irons

Published orthopaedic guidance indicates that most patients can begin a full golf swing from 12 to 16 weeks. Start with short irons and half swings, building to full swings over several sessions. Use a cart rather than walking the course initially. Many surgeons suggest starting at a driving range before playing on the course.

4–6 months

Full return: walking the course

By 4 to 6 months, most patients can play a full round and consider walking 9 or 18 holes. Published guidance indicates that golf is considered a safe, long-term activity after hip replacement. Most golfers report their game returns to pre-surgery levels or better once hip pain is resolved.

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Hip precautions and the golf swing

The golf swing involves significant hip rotation. Published guidance indicates the following considerations. (AAOS, NHS, last checked Jul 2026)

Lead hip rotation: If your operated hip is the lead hip (left hip for a right-handed golfer), the follow-through creates internal rotation. Allow the lead foot to turn naturally rather than keeping it planted, this reduces rotational stress on the implant
Trail hip rotation: If your operated hip is the trail hip (right hip for a right-handed golfer), the backswing creates the most stress. Consider a slightly shorter backswing initially
Wider stance: A slightly wider stance improves stability and reduces the range of hip rotation needed during the swing
Avoid forced rotation: Do not push through hip discomfort to complete a full follow-through. Pain during the swing is a signal to stop and reassess with your surgeon
Bending: Use long-handled tee-up devices, ball retrievers, and suction cup putter attachments to avoid repeated bending, especially in the first 3 months

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Cart vs walking the course

Use a cart when

✓ First return (8–12 weeks)
✓ Playing 18 holes
✓ Uneven or hilly courses
✓ Hot weather
✓ Hip aches after walking

Walk when ready

✓ Comfortable walking 45–60 min
✓ No limp after walking
✓ Start with 9 holes
✓ Flat courses first
✓ Usually from 4–6 months

Published guidance indicates that walking is excellent exercise after hip replacement and many surgeons encourage it. The transition from cart to walking should be gradual. (AAOS, last checked Jul 2026)

Golf return essentials

Practical items that can help when returning to golf after hip replacement.

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A long-handled ball retriever and tee-up device means you do not need to bend to pick up balls or place tees, essential during the first 3 months. Golf ball pick-up tool →

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Supportive golf shoes with good grip and cushioning help with stability on uneven terrain. Cushioned golf shoes →

Postopcare.info may earn a small commission from Amazon at no cost to you. These are items patients have found helpful, nothing else.

⚠️ Stop playing and contact your surgeon if

Sharp pain in the hip or groin during the swing
Feeling of the hip "catching", "clicking", or "giving way"
Increasing pain in the hip after each round that does not settle overnight
New limp that was not present before playing
Swelling, warmth, or redness around the hip after activity

In an emergency, call 000 (AU) · 999 (UK) · 911 (US) · 112 (EU)

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Common questions

Will golf wear out my hip replacement?

Published guidance from the AAOS indicates that low-impact sports like golf do not significantly accelerate implant wear. Modern hip replacement materials are designed to withstand decades of normal activity. Golf places far less stress on the implant than high-impact activities like running or jumping. (Last checked Jul 2026)

Can I carry my own bag?

Published guidance suggests using a push/pull trolley or cart rather than carrying a bag for the first 3 to 4 months. Carrying a bag on one shoulder creates an asymmetric load on the hip. Once your surgeon confirms full recovery, a lightweight carry bag is generally acceptable for fit patients.

Should I take golf lessons to adjust my swing?

Many orthopaedic surgeons suggest a session with a golf professional once cleared for full swings. A professional can help adjust your stance, backswing, and follow-through to reduce hip stress while maintaining performance. This is particularly helpful if your operated side is your lead hip.

Can I play golf after a hip revision?

Published guidance indicates that return to golf after hip revision surgery takes longer, typically 4 to 6 months for a full swing. The timeline depends on the reason for revision and the surgical approach used. Always follow your surgeon's specific instructions after revision surgery. (AAOS, last checked Jul 2026)

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Related guides

🦾 Hip replacement recovery 💪 Hip replacement exercises 🏃 Return to exercise after surgery 🏠 Return to activity hub: all activities & surgeries 🏠 Daily life after hip replacement

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Golf after hip replacement

📅 Return to golf timeline

⚠️ Hip precautions and the golf swing

🚗 Cart vs walking the course