Project 300

If you’re here, I hope you’re also reading about my Par Project in this blog too. Alongside that item, I’m adding another with this post: Project 300.

What would it take for this 47yr old with a high 90s swing speed to routinely hit 300yd drives? I think we know a few things. I need to get my swing up to 110mph or more (speed training). I need to hit the middle of the clubface (lessons). I need the right launch angle and spin (Trackman, equipment changes). Then I need to do all of these simultaneously at a pretty high level each swing.

I’m trying to shoot par from 7,000 yards in The Par Project; I might not get there. I’ve got this as a separate project because even if I come up short (see what I did there?) hitting longer tee balls will help my game. My stats prove that (GIR from shorter distances, scoring averages on shorter holes, etc.) Getting scoring clubs in my hands earlier will work at any length of course.

I read a good article on golfwrx.com about high performing hitters, see it here. I read this not long after we were getting wind of Phil Mickelson’s swing speed gains by doing overspeed training. This all got me thinking about how I might be able to pair some changes in my fitness alongside some swing speed training and start really moving it out there.

I started working on my explosive strength, adding things like this and this. I’m not doing all of this stuff, but adding a lot of them into my normal routine. I use a ketttlebell based workout and am a bit fanatical about the benefits. It’s a challenge to get going with kettlebells because most people are pretty weak in hip flexion, hamstrings and pelvic-floor & core; I sure was when I started. But after getting over those first few weeks of pain (Honey, can you help me pull these socks on?), I have had much more resilience in both everyday movement and athletics (haven’t had chiropractic adjustment on my back since - like 10yrs no kidding). The core kettlebell movements are well suited to help your golf swing: stable core, strong base, hip flexors. On the southside, you can join one of the best KB gyms in the country here.

I also decided to get overspeed training going too; but’s let’s be clear, this guy is a cheapskate sometimes. I wasn’t prepared to shell out the 2 bills required for the SuperSpeed training system. Instead I went jailbreak and made my own: see the video here. I used my old driver shaft and went to Home Depot and got everything needed for just under 17$. Sweet! There are several protocols listed on YouTube and this does include multiple reviews of the SS programs. My intent is to ramp-up speed training each month and hit a maintenance level by golf season or so.

If you’re still reading, you might be wondering about keeping the machine oiled, so to speak. Mobility is the name. I follow MoveU on Instagram and YouTube and you should too. As in: everyone on the planet should make an effort to have better flexion and mobility. I’ve listened to a lot of podcasts lately (on my work commute) and a glaring item in healthy individuals who make it to their 90s and beyond is keeping their balance. You do that by keeping your flexion and keeping your core strong. So that’s what I’m gonna do for my kids and for my golf game. That and MoveU doesn’t take themselves too seriously, so it’s fun to watch.

I’ll try to post updates 1-2x a month alongside updates to The Par Project. Whoooosh!

You need 80%, 90% and 105% of your current driver’s weight.

Get ready for bombs.