Out on the frontier of golf, exploring the game and deeper meaning within it.
EXPERIENCES
Immersions
Come be with me in the game. Meet me at Detroit Golf Club or invite me into your world, whether that's your club or home simulator, golf trip or vacation, or leadership retreat, for a private immersion shaped entirely around you.
Bring me into your space as a guest for podcasts, TV or radio, fireside chats, or select private gatherings, to explore any aspect of golf, business, or life that you'd like to go deeper into.
Since 2007, Swing Man Golf has been the home of my digital coaching and training.
It began as a place to share how I went from a 14-handicap golfer to a professional golfer and long drive champion, what I learned from Guinness World Record holder Mike Austin, and the swing speed training programs that have won multiple Golf Fitness Association of America awards and have been used by thousands of everyday golfers, long drivers, and tour players who want more distance.
Over the years it expanded with a certification program for teaching pros and trainers, a 60-episode podcast, and deep-dive content from top coach Adam Young, club fitting and club building legend Tom Wishon, and putting expert Geoff Mangum.
Sterling Irons® are the single length irons I began creating in 2013 and brought to market in 2016. I had used single length off and on since 2007 with great success and wanted to create a set that kept the benefits of single length while resolving the usual issues, in a clean design that could help as many golfers as possible.
The last sets of the first generation were sold in 2020, but I would like to do a second generation to improve on what was done the first time.
You can still learn more about the first generation at SterlingIrons.com.
If you are seriously interested in collaborating on the next generation, please reach out.
LATEST FROM THE LAB
Experiments and explorations in my own game as a pro, documented and shared as I go.
Most recent video:
PODCAST - THE LONG AND SHORT OF IT
Long-form conversations with my wife Jennifer, starting from one story from my life as a pro golfer and opening into the deeper meaning behind it for both golfers and non-golfers.
Latest episode:
ABOUT
Jaacob Bowden LLC, a values and mission-driven company, is co-owned 50/50 by Jaacob Bowden, PGA and Jennifer Giroux, a social impact strategist.
VISION
A world that is healthy and in balance, where everyone is supported in doing what they love.
MISSION
To discover what I can learn about myself and life through a deep and authentic exploration of how to better play the game of golf in my 50s.
VALUES
Integrity
The Golden Rule applies here. It can take strength, but treat the world the way you would want it treating you, even when the systems do not reward that.
Authenticity
There is so much fake stuff out there and I really do not like games or feeling like I am being manipulated. You don't need to front. Just be real with me.
Excellence
I really value high quality work and attention to detail. Sloppy work bugs me. If you are going to do something, do it thoughtfully and as well as you can with what you have to work with.
Partnership
I am a natural introvert and, as a golfer, I am very comfortable being alone. However, I also believe in synergy and recognize that we are better and can do more together. Collaboration is better than competition.
ABOUT JAACOB
From a childhood filled with a love of sports to a transformative journey in professional golf, Jaacob Bowden, PGA, epitomizes the relentless pursuit of potential and the joy of sharing the journey. His bootstrapped path from an average amateur golfer to an influential figure in the golf world, reaching millions, is a story of relentless aspiration, resilience, and innovation.
In 2003, at age 27, Jaacob cashed in his savings and left a career in computer engineering to chase a seemingly impossible dream: becoming a professional golfer. His quest led him to explore the depths of golf, fitness, and personal growth. He rapidly evolved from a 14-index amateur to a world-class player, winning World Long Drive Championship qualifiers with a 421-yard drive, shooting a Speedgolf World Championship scoring record (72 in 55 minutes and 42 seconds using only six clubs at Bandon Dunes), and caddying on both the PGA TOUR and PGA TOUR CHAMPIONS. He reached an official world golf rank of 1376, making cuts and shooting rounds in the 60s and 70s in numerous tour events worldwide, including qualifiers for the Open Championship, U.S. Open, PGA Championship, DP World Tour, and PGA TOUR.
Through Swing Man Golf, Jaacob became an industry-leading, GFAA award-winning expert in golf fitness and swing speed training, sharing knowledge that has transformed golfers' games worldwide.
With Sterling IronsĀ®, he revolutionized single-length iron club performance, pioneering advancements that continue to influence the industry today.
But Jaacob's story goes beyond the course. It is about challenging the status quo, embracing integrity, and fostering a community grounded in honesty, curiosity, and joy. His journey is a testament to living passionately, thinking differently, and making a meaningful impact.