By Robin All, PGA Life Member
I watched every shot of the final round of the U.S. Open at Oakmont last Sunday, and let me tell you—it was a whole different beast than the Oakmont I played in the 1960s. At over 7,200 yards, with 5-inch rough, tight fairways, relentless bunkers, and the firmest, fastest greens ever seen, it was truly a test of golf’s highest level.
Now, for us senior players, even 5,800 yards feels long, and let’s be honest—most of us aren’t exactly sticking to strict USGA rules anymore. But watching those pros navigate such a brutal course reminded me of a fundamental takeaway worth sharing.
Watch their backswings. The hands go straight back and high, left arm staying on plane, pointing right down the ball-to-target line. It’s the opposite of what I see most seniors doing—short and flat swings that rob them of distance.
Forget about keeping your right elbow tight—Jack Nicklaus had a “flying right elbow,” and they said he’d never be consistent. Well, history proved them wrong. Soon, everyone was emulating him.
So here’s my advice:
Get your hands up high in the backswing. Let your swing build some length. Short backswings lead to short shots.
Give it a try—you might just find that extra 10 yards you’ve been missing.
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