Age: 29
Height: 6’6″
Weight: 285lbs
Driver Specs:
BRUTE by Mutant Golf 3 & 5.5 degree loft
Sponsors:
Mutant Golf, House of Forged, Tornado Tee, PURE Grips, 2UNDR Clothing
Partners:
Catalyst Golf Performance and SuperSpeed
Special Accomplishments:
- Accomplished amateur and professional golfer as a junior, collegiate and professional golfer
- Founder & President of Mutant Golf
- Lead Engineer for Mutant Golf
- MBA in Finance in 2010
- Have often been called “World’s Strongest Pro Golfer”
What is your longest drive in competition?
459 yards at the 2012 RE/MAX WLDC (World Long Drive Championships). At the time it was the longest drive ever at the World Championships.
What were the conditions of the drive?
Slight downwind from left-to-right. Tough because I play a draw.
What are the fastest swing speeds you’ve recorded on a Swing Speed Radar and/or Trackman?
Fastest on SSR is 163MPH. Fastest on Trackman is 153.2.
Recently you started your own golf company called Mutant Golf. Tell us about how you came about doing that.
It is one of those things that every golfer has probably thought about at some point or another. I had an idea for a driver that would produce bigger ball speed numbers, and spin less at any given loft. So, I guess you could say part of Mutant Golf was born out of necessity. We LDers (long drivers) are always in search of something that is longer.
The other part was a giant leap of faith, and a big investment in the company. I have always been a “doer”, and someone who will make things happen, no matter how hard. In fact, the harder the better. Entrepreneurs are often called “crazy” for trying to create something out of nothing, but I welcome the challenge. After completing the initial design of the head, we went through two prototypes before deciding on the final production model. We have really been pleased with its performance thus far, and are only getting started!
What lead you to play your particular equipment specifications?
Well, I have always been a very highball hitter. Not necessarily high spin, but very high launch. I play both 3 and 5.5-degree lofts, dependent on the wind and conditions. They both spin about the same for me, but launch angle is different.
Do you favor a particular shot shape to hit it long?
I favor a draw simply because I turn my hands over pretty quick through impact. I am open to playing a fade if the backspin numbers are right. The main thing for me is launching it very high, though.
Do you use any training aids to work on your speed and power?
I recently started using the SuperSpeed sticks. I have seen some small improvements, which is very exciting at this level. Even a 1 or 2 mph increase is huge when you thought you were about maxed out. Other golfers I work with/mentor have seen some big increases in speed. I’m jealous…just kidding!
Do you do any other types of training to drive it further?
I am a powerlifter. I used to lift with more of a “bodybuilder” training philosophy, but that just made me tight, with very little strength or speed gains.
Over the last year or so I have developed a very specific training routine that focuses on power and speed, things I need. I have seen a lot of results. Perhaps more importantly, I have seen consistent results. Those used to be very hard to come by.
Is there any particular bit of advice you would give the regular amateur for him or her to hit the ball longer?
Absolutely. Gain some flexibility! All the strength I have wouldn’t do many any good if I didn’t have freedom of motion. In fact, most amateurs have sufficient strength to hit the ball quite a bit further than they do. They need to limber up in order to realize that potential distance.
The other thing worth mentioning is get the right driver specs for you. We LDers and pros constantly tweak our loft, and monitor our launch angle and spin. The majority of amateurs…
Read the rest of what Josh has to say about the Long Drive in the November 2014 Monthly Handicap Improver here:
https://www.swingmangolf.com/register.php