Bob Walls, at 103 years old, epitomizes vitality and dedication to golf. Standing on the first tee of his home course, his friends urged him to join them from the blues. Walls responded with conviction, claiming his right to hit from anywhere he chose. With a smooth swing from the forward white tees, his ball landed just short of the green on the 180-yard hole. An impressive feat for his age.

The National Golf Foundation recently reported a record 6.3 million Americans aged 65 and over played golf in 2025. While it’s unknown how many centenarians are among them, few can match Walls’ frequency and skill on the course.

Physically fit and looking decades younger, Walls has overcome significant health hurdles, including a heart attack, heart surgeries, and a transient ischemic attack. He attributes his longevity to active living and good genes, as both his parents lived into their late 90s. “I don’t feel 103. I don’t act 103,” he remarked.

Born in St. Marys, Kansas, Walls moved to Omaha in 1947 after serving in World War II. He eventually ran a janitorial service until retiring at 74. With encouragement from friends, he embraced golf. Under the tutelage of Nebraska’s first Black PGA professional, Steve Hogan, Walls learned the game and developed a lifelong friendship with Hogan.

In honor of Hogan, Walls volunteers daily at the course now named after his mentor. He spends hours maintaining the grounds and assisting other golfers. His dedication seeps into all aspects of his involvement with the game.

Walls created training devices to aid young golfers at the course and regularly gives lessons, fostering a love for the sport in future players. An annual tournament, the Bob Walls Invitational, funds equipment for neighborhood kids. His commitment extends to constant self-improvement, as he spends evenings watching training videos on his iPad.

Walls’ skill on the Hogan course is formidable. He often scores in the low 30s, showcasing talent and consistency that defies his years. Playing against the course manager, Mike Rice, Walls shot a 31 in a recent match.

Spending the colder months in Phoenix, Walls continues golfing daily. He meticulously refines his stance, swing plane, and shoulder alignment. He aims to perfect his lob wedge use to reduce reliance on his sand wedge.

James King appreciates Walls’ precision and approach, noting, “He’s going to hit right down the middle and the next shot is going to be on the green. That’s what I love about his game.” The camaraderie and mutual respect enhance their playtime together.