At an age when most people have long since retired from active recreation, 100-year-old golfer and World War II veteran Bernie Smoot continues to inspire golfers across America by doing something remarkable—playing golf five days a week.
Smoot, who recently celebrated his 100th birthday, remains a familiar sight at the golf course, where he still drives himself in his convertible Ford Mustang and regularly plays 18 holes. According to the PGA of America, Smoot travels approximately 18 miles each way to the golf course and continues to shoot scores in the low 80s, a feat many golfers decades younger would envy. View the video here.
His story has captured national attention not only because of his age, but because of the energy, independence, and passion he brings to the game. Smoot served in the U.S. Army during World War II and has witnessed a century of American history. Yet golf remains one of the constants in his life, providing both physical activity and social connection.
For Smoot, golf is more than a hobby. It is part of a daily routine that has helped keep him active and engaged. Fellow golfers and course staff admire his determination, positive outlook, and competitive spirit. Even at 100 years old, he continues to approach the game with enthusiasm, proving that age does not have to limit a person’s ability to stay active.
The PGA of America recently highlighted Smoot’s remarkable journey, noting that he has been alive for 40 percent of the nation’s 250-year history. Despite reaching the century mark, he continues to enjoy the challenges and rewards of the game he loves.
Golf has long been recognized for its health benefits, including improved cardiovascular fitness, balance, flexibility, and mental well-being. Bernie Smoot stands as a living example of those benefits. His commitment to remaining active demonstrates how the game can provide lifelong enjoyment and contribute to healthy aging.
As golfers search for inspiration, they need look no further than Bernie Smoot. With a century of life experience behind him and another tee time always on the horizon, he continues to embody the timeless spirit of the game. His story serves as a reminder that passion, perseverance, and purpose can keep a person moving forward at any age.
For many golfers, breaking 100 is a milestone. For Bernie Smoot, reaching 100 simply means another opportunity to head to the golf course and play the game he loves.
