JAACOB BOWDEN
Professional Golfer & Explorer
What Affordable Housing Really Means in Detroit
May 06, 2025 17:12 Filed in: Miscellaneous
It's normal for me to be interviewed and quoted in golf media but being interviewed by The Detroit News about affordable housing in Detroit is a new one!
Broke 400 Yards on Trackman at 49
April 08, 2025 15:14 Filed in: Swing Man Golf | Five Iron Golf
414 Yards.
A couple weeks ago, I was playing in a pilot league at 5Iron Golf Detroit Downtown when I hit a 414-yard drive on the TrackMan simulator.
As best I can remember, this might’ve been my first drive over 400 yards on a simulator, and I definitely wasn’t expecting it. One of my playing partners even said it was the best drive he’d ever seen.
I’ve had a few 400+ yard drives before, but it’s been a long time. My longest officially measured drive ever was 421 yards back in 2007 when I set a grid record to win a World Long Drive Championship qualifier in Warner Springs, CA. That one was with firm ground, some elevation, and a left-to-right cross wind. I played a low-running fade with low spin, and it ran through the grid into the weeds, still bouncing hard.
This new one? Simulated course in Montana. Downhill. High elevation. Definitely helped. But still, 49 years old, with no recent swing speed training. I tried to snap a photo with my phone, but the projector screen changed too quickly. Fortunately, I had 5 witnesses.
Want to hit it farther?
Check out my swing speed training programs at SwingManGolf.com!
A couple weeks ago, I was playing in a pilot league at 5Iron Golf Detroit Downtown when I hit a 414-yard drive on the TrackMan simulator.
As best I can remember, this might’ve been my first drive over 400 yards on a simulator, and I definitely wasn’t expecting it. One of my playing partners even said it was the best drive he’d ever seen.
I’ve had a few 400+ yard drives before, but it’s been a long time. My longest officially measured drive ever was 421 yards back in 2007 when I set a grid record to win a World Long Drive Championship qualifier in Warner Springs, CA. That one was with firm ground, some elevation, and a left-to-right cross wind. I played a low-running fade with low spin, and it ran through the grid into the weeds, still bouncing hard.
This new one? Simulated course in Montana. Downhill. High elevation. Definitely helped. But still, 49 years old, with no recent swing speed training. I tried to snap a photo with my phone, but the projector screen changed too quickly. Fortunately, I had 5 witnesses.
Want to hit it farther?
Check out my swing speed training programs at SwingManGolf.com!
Honored at the Michigan PGA Spring Meeting for Swing Speed Training
March 12, 2025 12:27 Filed in: Golf Fitness | Swing Man Golf
What a surprise to be recognized at the Michigan PGA’s Spring Meeting on Monday in Lansing during the Secretary’s Report in front of all those in attendance!
A big thank you to the Michigan PGA and the Golf Fitness Association of America for honoring my work in swing speed training at SwingManGolf.com. Grateful to have won my fourth straight GFAA award as part of a community of 30,000 @PGA of America professionals.
Appreciate the support!
A big thank you to the Michigan PGA and the Golf Fitness Association of America for honoring my work in swing speed training at SwingManGolf.com. Grateful to have won my fourth straight GFAA award as part of a community of 30,000 @PGA of America professionals.
Appreciate the support!
Golf Longevity: 3 Proven Fitness Strategies to Maintain Swing Speed & Distance (PGA Magazine Feature)
February 24, 2025 16:55 Filed in: Golf Fitness | PGA Magazine
ICYMI, I’m honored to be featured in the January 2025 issue of PGA Magazine (Vol. 106, No. 1). My contribution to the Golf Fitness Association of America (GFAA) best practice highlights a key topic: helping golfers maintain their distance as they age.
In the article, I share three simple but effective strategies that everyday golfers can use to stay in shape, keep their speed up, and continue hitting the ball far well into their later years.
Big thanks to PGA Magazine for the feature! If you’re interested, you can read my section on page 82. Check out a snippet of the article in the attached screenshot.
Head to SwingManGolf.com for more on swing speed training!
In the article, I share three simple but effective strategies that everyday golfers can use to stay in shape, keep their speed up, and continue hitting the ball far well into their later years.
Big thanks to PGA Magazine for the feature! If you’re interested, you can read my section on page 82. Check out a snippet of the article in the attached screenshot.
Head to SwingManGolf.com for more on swing speed training!
We’re on a Building! Honored to Be Part of Detroit’s 'I Am Because We Are' Mural
December 21, 2024 14:00 Filed in: Miscellaneous
Ha! I never thought I’d see my face alongside my wife Jen on the side of a building!
We’re incredibly grateful to be part of the “I Am Because We Are” public art photographic mural installation conceived and produced by Romain Blanquart and Jessica Trevino. This beautiful project pays tribute to three Detroit neighborhoods—Corktown, North Corktown, and our very own Hubbard Richard.
The project’s name, 'I Am Because We Are,' rooted in the African philosophy of Ubuntu, was interestingly suggested by my wife Jen, making this even more meaningful for us to be part of.
If you’re near Michigan Central Station, The Goblin Detroit, or Honey Bee Market – La Colmena in the coming months, I encourage you to pop over to the intersection of 17th & Newark and experience it for yourself.
You can also learn more about the installation and its inspiration in this Fox2News video or this Detroit Free Press article.
Thank you to everyone who made this project possible!
Timelapse courtesy Jonathan Saunders
#HubbardRichard #Corktown #NorthCorktown #Detroit #IAmBecause #Mural #WallMural
We’re incredibly grateful to be part of the “I Am Because We Are” public art photographic mural installation conceived and produced by Romain Blanquart and Jessica Trevino. This beautiful project pays tribute to three Detroit neighborhoods—Corktown, North Corktown, and our very own Hubbard Richard.
The project’s name, 'I Am Because We Are,' rooted in the African philosophy of Ubuntu, was interestingly suggested by my wife Jen, making this even more meaningful for us to be part of.
If you’re near Michigan Central Station, The Goblin Detroit, or Honey Bee Market – La Colmena in the coming months, I encourage you to pop over to the intersection of 17th & Newark and experience it for yourself.
You can also learn more about the installation and its inspiration in this Fox2News video or this Detroit Free Press article.
Thank you to everyone who made this project possible!
Timelapse courtesy Jonathan Saunders
#HubbardRichard #Corktown #NorthCorktown #Detroit #IAmBecause #Mural #WallMural
Winning a 4th Straight GFAA Award
Today I received an email from Rick Summers, the CEO of the Golf Fitness Association of America (GFAA), and Dr. Steven Lorick, the President of the GFAA, informing me that Swing Man Golf and I have been selected as award winners for the 2024 GFAA Recognition Award.
This marks our 4th consecutive win!
I’m honored to be recognized once again alongside so many talented individuals in the industry. Thank you to Rick, Dr. Lorick, and the GFAA team for this acknowledgment, as well as to the partners Fitness Lifestyles and PGA Magazine for their support of the GFAA Awards.
If you’re interested in improving your swing speed, hitting longer drives, and lowering your golf handicap potential, Swing Man Golf has been leading the way in swing speed training since 2007.
PGA professionals and fitness trainers can also take advantage of our certification program, which provides tools and expertise to teach swing speed training effectively. Plus, PGA of America members can earn 7 PDR continuing education points after successfully passing our assessment.
Thank you to everyone who has supported Swing Man Golf over the years and congratulations to all the other award winners as well - here’s to another year of advancing golf fitness together!
This marks our 4th consecutive win!
I’m honored to be recognized once again alongside so many talented individuals in the industry. Thank you to Rick, Dr. Lorick, and the GFAA team for this acknowledgment, as well as to the partners Fitness Lifestyles and PGA Magazine for their support of the GFAA Awards.
If you’re interested in improving your swing speed, hitting longer drives, and lowering your golf handicap potential, Swing Man Golf has been leading the way in swing speed training since 2007.
PGA professionals and fitness trainers can also take advantage of our certification program, which provides tools and expertise to teach swing speed training effectively. Plus, PGA of America members can earn 7 PDR continuing education points after successfully passing our assessment.
Thank you to everyone who has supported Swing Man Golf over the years and congratulations to all the other award winners as well - here’s to another year of advancing golf fitness together!
A Fun Surprise in My Inbox
November 14, 2024 23:34 Filed in: Golf Fitness
Today, I opened my email inbox to a fun surprise.
Back in June, my article "Defying Age: How to Maintain and Increase Distance as You Get Older" was featured in the June issue of Golf Fitness Monthly.
This afternoon, I received an email with the subject line, "Maintain and Increase Distance as You Get Older." Intrigued, and admittedly having forgotten the exact title of my earlier article, I clicked to check it out. To my surprise, it was my very own article edited and repurposed into a Best Practice feature for the Golf Fitness Association of America (GFAA).
How cool! I had no idea that they were even going to do that.
You can also read it as a Best Practice here on the GFAA website.
Back in June, my article "Defying Age: How to Maintain and Increase Distance as You Get Older" was featured in the June issue of Golf Fitness Monthly.
This afternoon, I received an email with the subject line, "Maintain and Increase Distance as You Get Older." Intrigued, and admittedly having forgotten the exact title of my earlier article, I clicked to check it out. To my surprise, it was my very own article edited and repurposed into a Best Practice feature for the Golf Fitness Association of America (GFAA).
How cool! I had no idea that they were even going to do that.
You can also read it as a Best Practice here on the GFAA website.
My 3rd Presidential Motorcade Drive: Differences Between the VP & First Lady
October 18, 2024 23:33 Filed in: Miscellaneous
Had the incredible opportunity and experience of driving with my wife Jen alongside other friends in a presidential motorcade for the Vice President today - politics aside, what a thrill!
It was interesting to compare this to my previous two drives for the First Lady. A VP motorcade has significantly more cars, but I actually found it easier to drive in thanks to the road closures. This drive was also more residential through Lansing, compared to the highway-heavy routes around Detroit. While staying calm and focused is key, it was fun to see the excitement on the streets - kids jumping, many people filming in awe, lots of supporters cheering, and a few protesting. It was such a memorable scene as we passed back and forth from Air Force Two at the airport to our destination!
It was interesting to compare this to my previous two drives for the First Lady. A VP motorcade has significantly more cars, but I actually found it easier to drive in thanks to the road closures. This drive was also more residential through Lansing, compared to the highway-heavy routes around Detroit. While staying calm and focused is key, it was fun to see the excitement on the streets - kids jumping, many people filming in awe, lots of supporters cheering, and a few protesting. It was such a memorable scene as we passed back and forth from Air Force Two at the airport to our destination!
Driving in a Presidential Motorcade: A Surreal and Memorable Experienc
October 15, 2024 14:05 Filed in: Miscellaneous
If you would’ve told me a few days ago that I’d be driving the press van in a presidential motorcade for the First Lady, and that my wife and I would get to shake hands and take a photo with her…I might’ve thought you were kidding.
Driving in a motorcade is definitely an experience. You’ve got traffic parting like the Red Sea, police cars zipping around at high speeds, people staring, and you’re running stop signs and red lights, which is fun, but it also takes incredible focus. You must tailgate the car in front of you to keep everything moving smoothly and the motorcade tight.
Interestingly, all the mental training from my years of playing professional golf came in handy to keep calm and grounded in the middle of all the buzz and chaos.
Super cool!
Driving in a motorcade is definitely an experience. You’ve got traffic parting like the Red Sea, police cars zipping around at high speeds, people staring, and you’re running stop signs and red lights, which is fun, but it also takes incredible focus. You must tailgate the car in front of you to keep everything moving smoothly and the motorcade tight.
Interestingly, all the mental training from my years of playing professional golf came in handy to keep calm and grounded in the middle of all the buzz and chaos.
Super cool!
Straight Shots & 10 Hole-In-Ones
When I first started playing golf, I was a typical slicer. As I improved and eventually turned pro at 27, even though cuts and slices are perfectly usable shots, I was so traumatized by slicing that I made my stock shot a slight draw. However, it was a tight enough draw that it looked straight to me, even though it was technically drawing.
Lately, I've been having fun experimenting with getting my stock shot to average out as a perfectly straight shot with zero feet of curve, utilizing a sweet spot strike and 0-degree angle of attack, swing path, face angle, a face-to-path.
Playing Sterling Irons single length irons makes that a bit easier because those are all designed to be played from a single ball position, which I place directly in the middle of my stance to help achieve a zero path. Since I sweep or pick the ball for more consistent overall contact and try to avoid taking divots, that center ball position also helps me maintain a zero angle of attack. From there, it was just a matter of getting the face angle and face-to-path to be zero, which I achieved by weakening my grip.
It's been a tricky transition because I was so accustomed to seeing that tight draw as straight. When I used launch monitors to confirm I was hitting truly straight shots, the ball flight looked like a slight fade to my eye. Plus, my history with slicing made me hesitant about anything that felt like swinging across the ball and fanning the face open—even when the result was a straight shot.
I’m starting to get more comfortable with it now. So far, my longest zero-curve shot, verified with technology, is 160.9 yards, which isn't too surprising because I practice a lot with my 8-iron.
Yesterday, I holed one out on the TopTracer range with a sand wedge. It was only a 40-yard shot, but seeing that proximity at zero feet was really cool.
Then today, while playing with a friend who operates Belle Isle Golf Detroit, I got my 10th hole-in-one, all spread across Pebble Beach's Peter Hay Golf Course and Belle Isle Golf Detroit.
Here’s the list:
Interestingly, Tuesday is by far my most popular day to get a hole-in-one. I guess I just need to play more on Monday and Thursday to see if I can get one every day of the week!.
Lately, I've been having fun experimenting with getting my stock shot to average out as a perfectly straight shot with zero feet of curve, utilizing a sweet spot strike and 0-degree angle of attack, swing path, face angle, a face-to-path.
Playing Sterling Irons single length irons makes that a bit easier because those are all designed to be played from a single ball position, which I place directly in the middle of my stance to help achieve a zero path. Since I sweep or pick the ball for more consistent overall contact and try to avoid taking divots, that center ball position also helps me maintain a zero angle of attack. From there, it was just a matter of getting the face angle and face-to-path to be zero, which I achieved by weakening my grip.
It's been a tricky transition because I was so accustomed to seeing that tight draw as straight. When I used launch monitors to confirm I was hitting truly straight shots, the ball flight looked like a slight fade to my eye. Plus, my history with slicing made me hesitant about anything that felt like swinging across the ball and fanning the face open—even when the result was a straight shot.
I’m starting to get more comfortable with it now. So far, my longest zero-curve shot, verified with technology, is 160.9 yards, which isn't too surprising because I practice a lot with my 8-iron.
Yesterday, I holed one out on the TopTracer range with a sand wedge. It was only a 40-yard shot, but seeing that proximity at zero feet was really cool.
Then today, while playing with a friend who operates Belle Isle Golf Detroit, I got my 10th hole-in-one, all spread across Pebble Beach's Peter Hay Golf Course and Belle Isle Golf Detroit.
Here’s the list:
- 1st - Saturday, November 6th, 2004, 9th hole at Pebble Beach’s Peter Hay Golf Course with a 9-iron from 74 yards
- 2nd - Sunday, October 9th, 2005, 8th hole at Pebble Beach’s Peter Hay Golf Course
- 3rd - Tuesday, October 10th, 2006, 3rd hole at Pebble Beach’s Peter Hay Golf Course
- 4th - Friday, September 22nd, 2023, 6th hole at Belle Isle Golf with a SW from 45 yards
- 5th - Tuesday, September 26th, 2023, 4th hole at Belle Isle Golf from 35 yards (on video)
- 6th - Wednesday, September 27th, 2023, 3rd hole at Belle Isle Golf from 35 yards (on video)
- 7th - Wednesday, September 27th, 2023, 3rd hole again at Belle Isle Golf from 35 yards (on video)
- 8th - Tuesday, October 3rd, 2023, 5th hole at Belle Isle Golf from 35 yards (have reaction camera video footage but green side camera failed)
- 9th - Tuesday, October 3rd, 2023, 5th hole again at Belle Isle Golf from 35 yards (have reaction camera video footage but green side camera failed)
- 10th - Tuesday, October 8th, 2024, 4th hole at Belle Isle Golf with a sand wedge, temperature 67 degrees, 11mph WNW wind
Interestingly, Tuesday is by far my most popular day to get a hole-in-one. I guess I just need to play more on Monday and Thursday to see if I can get one every day of the week!.