One of the biggest myths in golf is that losing distance is simply part of getting older. And while it is true that most golfers gradually lose swing speed as they age, that decline is not permanent. With the right training, senior golfers can gain swing speed, rebuild clubhead speed, and add real distance off the tee.
A recent experiment from golf YouTuber Jon Perkins is the perfect example. Jon challenged his 72-year-old father to complete the SuperSpeed Training Program for six weeks to find out whether a senior golfer who had steadily lost distance over the years could actually reverse the trend.
The results were impressive.
The Starting Point
Before beginning the program, Jon measured his dad's performance using the same driver, golf balls, and a PRGR launch monitor to create a consistent baseline.
His averages were:
- Clubhead Speed: 77.4 mph
- Ball Speed: 111 mph
- Smash Factor: 1.44
- Carry Distance: 161 yards
Like many senior golfers, his swing speed had slowly declined over time, resulting in shorter drives and fewer scoring opportunities.
The First Few Sessions Felt Strange
As with many golfers trying speed training for the first time, the movements initially felt unfamiliar. Jon's dad admitted the first couple of rounds after starting the program were not great.
Rather than quitting, he kept following the protocols. Over the following weeks, he noticed something unexpected. His body began moving more freely. He could make a fuller backswing. He felt less restricted.
As he described it:
"Even as an old bloke, I can be more mobile than I thought. The constraints in my swing are starting to move away."
Those improvements in mobility soon translated into better golf shots. He even reached a green in regulation for the first time in 14 rounds.
The Six-Week Results
Using the exact same testing procedure as the baseline, Jon measured the improvements after six weeks. The numbers told the story.
| Metric | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| Clubhead Speed | 77.4 mph | 81.7 mph |
| Ball Speed | 111 mph | 121 mph |
| Smash Factor | 1.44 | 1.47 |
| Carry Distance | 161 yards | 184 yards |
The biggest takeaway? A gain of 23 yards of carry distance in only six weeks.
Perhaps even more impressive, Jon joked that his dad actually gained one more yard than he did during his own six-week SuperSpeed journey.
More Than Just Distance
While longer drives grab the headlines, the improvements went beyond raw yardage. Jon's dad noticed:
- Higher ball flight
- Better launch conditions
- Improved mobility
- Greater confidence
- Easier, more athletic movement throughout the swing
These are common benefits many senior golfers experience as they improve their ability to create speed efficiently.
It Is Never Too Late to Get Faster
Many golfers assume distance loss is simply something they have to accept. The reality is that the body remains remarkably adaptable with the right type of training.
The SuperSpeed Training System was built specifically to help all golfers, including seniors, safely improve swing speed while maintaining control and enjoying the game for years to come.
Whether your goal is to hit shorter clubs into greens, keep up with your playing partners, or simply enjoy the feeling of hitting solid drives again, speed training can make a meaningful difference for senior golfers.
At 72 years old, Jon Perkins' father proved that your best driving distance may still be ahead of you.