Golfing After Low Back Surgery: What You Need to Know
Golf isn’t just a sport, it’s a lifestyle, a passion, and a way to stay active well into later years. But if you’ve recently undergone a lumbar spine surgery, particularly a lumbar fusion, returning to the fairways can feel uncertain. Don’t become discouraged! You’re definitely not alone, and with the right rehabilitation, expectations, and guidance, most golfers can return to play safely, and often with improved mechanics and reduced pain.
Below, we break down what the latest research says about returning to golf after lumbar surgery, including timelines, rehab strategies, and what to expect on your road back to the tee box.
How Long Before You Can Play Golf Again?
Recovery timelines vary based on the procedure performed, your age, health, and rehab compliance. Here's what recent research shows:
For lumbar fusion surgeries, the average return-to-play time is 6 to 12 months.
For less invasive surgeries like microdiscectomies, return to play may occur within 4 to 6 months.
In a 2021 systematic review published in The Spine Journal (Harrison et al.), golfers who underwent lumbar fusion returned to play within 6–12 months on average. Most resumed recreational rather than competitive play, with modifications in swing and intensity.
Another study published in The American Journal of Sports Medicine (2018) noted that up to 85% of recreational golfers returned to the sport within one year of lumbar surgery, with the majority reporting high satisfaction and minimal symptoms, though often with altered swing mechanics.
Set Realistic Expectations
Returning to golf isn’t always about resuming your previous game, it’s about rebuilding a smarter one so you can continue to play, compete, grow, and simply enjoy the game. It’s important to keep a few things in mind as you ease into your return:
Pain and stiffness, particularly during rotational movements (like your backswing), can persist for months.
Swing speed may temporarily decline, as most golfers adopt a shortened backswing and more neutral posture to reduce spinal torque.
You may not fully return to pre-surgery performance levels, especially if surgery followed chronic degeneration, but many golfers still return to enjoyable, pain-free play. And this truly depends on the severity and complexity of the surgery.
A study in Physiotherapy Theory and Practice (2019) showed that psychological readiness, such as confidence and mental preparation, was one of the strongest predictors for safe and successful return to sport after spine surgery. With that said, finding a balance between optimism and realism is critical. Make goals for yourself, both short term and long term. Be safe, be smart, but also keep moving forward.
What to Know Before Returning
Before swinging a club again, take the following precautions:
Consult your surgeon and physical therapist. Premature return increases risk of re-injury.
Modify your swing to reduce spinal loading. This includes limiting spinal rotation and emphasizing hip/pelvic rotation, as well as making adjustments to your stance.
Use lumbar braces or core supports in early phases.
Start small: Begin with putting and chipping, progressing to half swings, full swings, and eventually on-course play.
Rehabilitation and Therapy Priorities
Golfers benefit most from a golf-specific rehab program, especially one focused on spine health and performance. According to a 2017 review in Sports Health, combining physical, neurological, and psychological rehab principles leads to the best long-term outcomes.
Key rehab components include:
Core stabilization
Hip mobility and strength
Thoracic spine mobility drills
Neuromuscular training
Golf Swing Progression (with video feedback combined with mobility assessment from a TPI expert)
Phased Return to Golf
Progress through each phase should be guided by a physical therapist familiar with post-operative protocols and golf biomechanics.
Tips for a Successful Return
Work with a physical therapist certified in TPI or with experience in orthopedic and spine rehab.
Include mental coaching strategies to rebuild confidence in your swing and manage fear of re-injury.
Track your progress using video analysis or launch monitor data (club speed, smash factor, launch angle)
Avoid high-volume range sessions, quality over quantity is key to protecting your spine.
Final Thoughts
Golf is absolutely possible after lumbar spine surgery, but it takes time, patience, and purpose. Treat your recovery like your short game: deliberate, strategic, and constantly evolving. With a well-designed rehab plan and support from golf-literate professionals, your return to the course can be not only safe but deeply rewarding. Stay focused, positive, and hopeful with your goals in mind, and don’t get caught up in thinking about a long road; take it one day at at time, and take the little wins as they come.
Ready to Get Back on the Course?
At Full Swing Fitness & Rehab, we specialize in golf rehab and performance training tailored to your needs, whether you're 3 weeks out of surgery or 3 months from your best round yet. If you, or someone you know has had a back surgery and is hoping to get back out on the course, contact us! You can set up a free consult, or just ask some questions. Either way, we’re here to help our golf community stay healthy and happy, and keep golfing no matter what barriers life throws in front of us.
Schedule your personalized evaluation today and start your journey back to confident, pain-free golf.