Bobby Massa teaches people to hit bombs; at age 36, he's still mashing at U.S. Amateur https://t.co/AD6tipJHuI
— Golf Venezuela (@GolfVenezuela) August 15, 2024
At 36 years old, Bobby Massa is proving that age is just a number as he continues to dominate the U.S. Amateur with his incredible power game. As a performance coach based in Dallas, Massa has built a career around teaching golfers how to hit long, powerful drives. But he’s not just a coach—he’s living proof that his methods work. With a swing speed clocking in at 127 mph and ball speeds reaching up to 190 mph, Massa’s ability to launch the ball down the fairway has made him a force to be reckoned with on the course.
Bobby Massa’s Journey from Swing Yips to U.S. Amateur Success
Bobby Massa’s path to the U.S. Amateur was unusual, as his journey took a drastic turn after playing college golf at Texas-Arlington and turning pro in 2010. Struggling with debilitating swing yips just five years later, Massa contemplated giving up on golf altogether due to consistently failing attempts where he couldn’t even break a score of 90 or finish rounds because he had run out of balls mid-play. This left him feeling too humiliated by his deterioration to play casually with friends anymore.
Amidst the difficulties, Massa found solace in imparting his knowledge and passion for golf through teaching. He excelled as a coach due to the growing emphasis on distance and power within the sport. His adept skills at unlocking fast-twitch muscle fibers made him a highly sought-after instructor. “The demand during this era of golf where hitting long drives is all that matters has been perfectly aligned with my job”, he remarked graciously.
Teaching led Massa back to the game as he delved deeper into studying golf swings to improve his clients’ performance and reignite his own. By 2019, Massa reclaimed amateur status and started gaining confidence on the course. An impressive resurgence soon followed in 2022—finishing second at the Texas State Amateur and reaching the quarter-finals of the U.S. Mid-Amateur before Monday’s qualifying for the AT&T Byron Nelson PGA Tour event, an undeniable display of competitive spirit fueled by newly developed skills.
Power and Precision: Bobby Massa’s Competitive Edge at 36
Bobby Massa’s success continued this week at the 124th U.S. Amateur at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota. Facing off against Duke’s Luke Sample, the world’s 73rd-ranked amateur, in the Round of 64, Massa’s length off the tee proved decisive. Despite trailing 1 down through the first four holes, Massa won five straight holes to secure a 2 and 1 victory. “I just love match play,” Massa said, highlighting his strategic approach and competitive edge. “And with me being able to hit it as far as these kids, if I play well, I should be able to compete.”
Given the high level of competition, Bobby Massa’s performance at the U.S. Amateur is notable. His upcoming opponent, TK Chantananuwat, who made history as a 15-year-old by winning an Official World Golf Ranking event and will be attending Stanford University this fall, also presents a challenge; however, Massa remains confident and undeterred, stating, “These kids are incredibly talented – I’m simply staying focused on my game.”
While competing against some of the world’s top young talent, Massa remains focused on his own game, which is centered around power, precision and a comprehensive understanding of golf swings. His path from almost retiring to excelling in amateur golf at the highest levels proves his dedication and love for the sport. At 36 years old, Bobby Massa is not just keeping pace with competitors but setting an example that age shouldn’t hinder success in golf when armed with proper mental attitude and preparation techniques.