About Jaacob


I've spent much of my adult life exploring what's possible, particularly when it comes to something I love like playing golf. One question has stayed with me throughout the journey: How good can I be at the game?

In 2003, at 27 years old, I left a career in computer engineering to pursue a childhood dream of becoming a professional athlete. There was just one rather unusual detail: I was a 14-index amateur golfer.

I'd played college basketball and even had a tryout with the Minnesota Twins, but I didn't have a college golf career, a distinguished junior record, or the usual pathway into professional golf. What I did have was a goal, a plan, and a willingness to work hard, think outside the box, learn, adjust, and see where the journey might take me.

More than 20 years later, I'm still exploring that question.

An Unconventional Golf Journey


My journey in professional golf has taken me to hundreds of courses around the world, from the United States to Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia.

Along the way, I've shot many rounds in the 60s and 70s, earned world ranking points, and held tour cards on numerous professional tours. I've also played in qualifiers for the PGA TOUR, DP World Tour, PGA TOUR Champions, U.S. Open, PGA Championship, and more. There have been some incredibly memorable moments, including making an eagle during qualifying for The Open Championship and being featured on the front page of The Open website.
Jaacob Bowden hits an 8-iron on a par-3 during British Open Qualifying in England
I've also had the opportunity to experience professional tournament golf from the other side of the bag, caddying at PGA TOUR and PGA TOUR Champions events.
John Daly and Jaacob Bowden have a chat during the 2017 Senior PGA Championship
Early in my journey, I won a televised Pinnacle Distance Challenge event in St. Louis with a 381-yard drive. I later became involved in the World Long Drive Championships, where I hit a 421-yard venue record and winning drive during local qualifying.
Jaacob Bowden won the 2003 Pinnacle Distance Challenge with a 381-yard televised drive
My curiosity about golf performance also led me to speedgolf. At the 2012 Speedgolf World Championships at Bandon Dunes, I finished fifth. The following year at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, I shot 72 in just 55 minutes and 42 seconds using only six clubs, shooting the championship record for golf score.
Not everything has gone according to plan, of course. In fact, much of the journey has involved finding unconventional ways to bootstrap my way forward, adapting to setbacks, and learning meaningful things about myself that I might never have discovered otherwise.

But that's also been part of what has made the experience worthwhile.

Playing, Teaching & Exploring Performance


As I've worked on improving my own golf game, I've found myself getting deeply involved in coaching, golf fitness, swing-speed training, research, writing, and equipment design.

I'm a PGA of America Class A Professional, and I've worked with golfers ranging from beginners to fellow touring professionals. I've also been nominated for the Michigan PGA's 2027 Teacher & Coach of the Year Award.
Jaacob Bowden coaching a golfer during a Black Tech Saturdays event in Detroit.
In 2007, I founded Swing Man Golf, developing training programs to help golfers increase their swing speed and distance. The work eventually earned recognition as a PGA Magazine Player Development Best Practice and led to creating educational certification programs for other golf professionals, coaches, and trainers.

I also originated the concept for Sterling Irons® single-length golf clubs, guiding the project through development, testing, and commercial launch. It brought together my interests in engineering, equipment innovation, and exploring new approaches to golf performance.
Jaacob Bowden with Sterling Irons golf bags at Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club in England in 2018.
Along the way, I've written extensively as a Senior Writer for GolfWRX, including authoring the site's two most-viewed articles of all time. I've also contributed to other major golf publications, educational programs, podcasts, and other media. My work in golf fitness and instruction has received multiple national awards from the Golf Fitness Association of America (GFAA).

It's been a process of asking questions, testing ideas, understanding what works, and sharing what I've learned.

More Than Golf


Although golf has been the central thread of my professional life, the journey has always been about more than shooting lower scores.

I grew up on 33 acres in rural Missouri, where my parents were building our family home. Those early years gave me an appreciation for nature, independence, and the freedom to explore.

Living in Switzerland for seven years opened up an entirely different world. Through golf and life with my wife, Jennifer, I've had the opportunity to experience many different countries, cultures, landscapes, and ways of living.
- Jaacob Bowden and Jennifer Giroux together outdoors at sunset in 2026.
I'm drawn to beautiful places, interesting people, new ideas, and experiences that challenge my assumptions about what's possible.

Over time, I've also come to appreciate that a meaningful life doesn't have to be defined by a single achievement or career milestone. There's value in the experiences, relationships, discoveries, and personal growth that happen along the way.

The Journey Continues


Turning 50 in 2026 opened up a new chapter in professional golf, including opportunities to play in senior events.

I'm still interested in discovering how good I can become, while continuing to explore the other parts of life that make the journey worthwhile.

I don't know exactly where the road will lead. That's part of what makes it interesting.

For now, I'm enjoying the opportunity to keep learning, improving, exploring, and seeing what's possible.

Writing & Media


Over the years, I've shared my experiences and research through articles, podcasts, interviews, and educational features covering professional golf, swing speed, training, equipment innovation, and personal development.

Here are a few selected pieces.

Personal Journey & Reflections



Research & Instruction



Features & Conversations



Explore more of my writing at GolfWRX.