Overland ParkBlog
August 1, 2025
Happy Gilmore Golf Swing: Fun to Try, Risky for Your Back & Knees
The Dangers of the Happy Gilmore Swing
We’ve all seen it—some of us have even sprinted toward a tee box pretending to be Adam Sandler. That “Happy Gilmore” moment, where he charges the ball like a hockey player and sends it soaring, is pure golf comedy gold. But your spine, knees, and shoulders? They won’t be laughing if you try it on a real course.
🎥 Watch our Happy Gilmore Swings on Facebook
Nicknamed the Running Step Swing or Momentum Swing, this flashy move involves walking—or even jogging—into your swing before launching the ball. While it’s occasionally used in long-drive competitions for a burst of power, it’s rarely seen in real play for a reason: it’s risky, hard to control, and tough on your joints if you’re not conditioned for it.
🌟 What Golfers Call It
- Running Step Swing
- Step-In Swing
- Momentum Swing
- Informally: The Happy Gilmore
Yes, it’s fun to try (especially when there’s no scorecard involved), but let’s look at what happens beneath the surface from a physical therapy standpoint.
⚠️ PT Perspective: The Injury Risks
| Body Area | Risk Level | Why It’s Vulnerable |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Back | High | The step-in adds rotational torque to the lumbar spine. Without strong core and hip control, repeated swings can strain muscles or irritate discs. |
| Lead Knee | Moderate | Extra momentum loads the lead knee, stressing cartilage and ligaments, especially in golfers with prior knee injuries. |
| Ankles | Moderate | Mistimed steps can overload joints or lead to sprains—slippery or uneven turf makes it worse. |
| Shoulders | Low–Moderate | Off-balance swings risk overextension or rotator cuff irritation, particularly in the lead shoulder. |
🏌️♂️ Is It Worth the Power?
Sure, you might squeeze out a few extra yards—but at what cost? This type of swing can sacrifice consistency and control. Off-center hits, fat shots, and loss of balance are common. In our PT clinic, we’ve worked with recreational and competitive golfers nursing strains after experimenting with trick shots.
If distance is your goal, focus instead on mobility, sequencing, and power generation through the hips and core—the real sources of clubhead speed.
✅ Want to Try It Safely?
We get it—it’s tempting to give it a shot. If you must, here are some pro tips to experiment safely:
- Start with slow walk-ins; don’t go full Happy Gilmore mode
- Use foam or limited-flight balls at first
- Warm up thoroughly: hips, glutes, hamstrings, core
- Build single-leg stability and rotational strength in training
- Film your form to catch balance or posture issues before going full speed
🚑 Bottom Line
The Happy Gilmore swing belongs on the big screen—not your tournament tee box. It’s a fun challenge, but it comes with a real risk of injury if your body isn’t prepared for the added momentum and instability.
If you’re chasing more power or feeling stiffness after a long round, we can help. A custom PT plan can unlock speed, protect your joints, and boost your game—without the slapstick side effects.
Ready to hit longer, safer drives? Book a golf performance evaluation at TruMove—no running start required.
