Bob Walls: A Centenarian Golfer’s Passion and Legacy

OMAHA, Neb. – Bob Walls was preparing to tee off at his home course last week when his playing partners interrupted him. James King and Dawn Dozier reminded him they were playing from the blue tees that day. Walls, undeterred, replied, “When you’re over 100, you can hit from anywhere you want.” With a smooth swing from the white tees, he launched the ball down the right side of the fairway, just shy of the green on the 180-yard hole. This is impressive for a 103-year-old golfer.

The National Golf Foundation recently reported that 6.3 million Americans aged 65 and older were active golfers in 2025. While the NGF doesn’t track centenarians specifically, few can match Walls’ skill and frequency of play.

Walls maintains a fit and healthy lifestyle, appearing much younger than his age. He has survived a heart attack, multiple heart surgeries, and a mini-stroke. Walls attributes his longevity to good genes; both parents lived into their late 90s. He also credits staying active. Walls stated, “I don’t feel 103. I don’t act 103.”

Born in St. Marys, Kansas, in 1923, Walls moved to Omaha in 1947 after serving in World War II. He worked for many years in his janitorial service. He retired at age 74 and, with encouragement from friends, began playing golf. Under the guidance of Nebraska’s first Black PGA professional, Steve Hogan, Walls learned the game at the then Miller Park, now named the Steve Hogan Golf Course, where Walls volunteers daily.

At the course, Walls spends five or six hours attending to various tasks such as filling divots, picking up trash, and retrieving stray balls. Walls also offers golfing lessons at $50 per hour. He works with kids in the First Tee program and helps adults improve their game. He takes pride in the annual Bob Walls Invitational tournament, which raises funds for equipment for neighborhood children.

Even at home, Walls dedicates time to improving his game. He watches training videos on his iPad for hours. Dawn Dozier, a longtime friend, recalled, “When I visited him for his 101st birthday, he was already focused on changing his game.”

Walls consistently shoots in the low 30s on the par-3 Hogan course. Recently, he shot 31, triumphing over course manager Mike Rice. Rice commented, “The first time I beat him, it required a hole-in-one on my part. It’s remarkable for a 103-year-old to consistently drive 180 yards.” Walls spends his fall and winter in Phoenix and remains active on the golf course daily.

Golf is always on Walls’ mind. He diligently works on refining his stance, swing plane, and shoulder alignment. Currently, he’s focused on his lob wedge to reduce reliance on his sand wedge. James King, a fellow golfer, praised Walls, “He’s going to hit right down the middle and the next shot is going on the green. Sweet and easy. That’s what I love about his game.” Walls is unique in his dedication and ability at his age, making him a truly remarkable golfer.