Believe it or not, this is a 100% true and verifiable story—one that many people find hard to swallow. What makes it even more difficult to believe is that this feat was performed during the late ’70s and early ’80s, while this gentleman was touring the world with the 350 Club—an elite group of long-driving golfers. Membership in that group was restricted to only those who had hit the ball over 350 yards in professional long-drive competition.
Mike Austin was considered the anchorman of that team because he could hit it very long—and hit the fairway. He compiled that record using what was essentially stone-age equipment: a wooden, steel-shafted driver and a wound balata golf ball. The gentleman who performed at this level was none other than the late Mike Austin, holder of the longest recorded drive in PGA Tour history—515 yards. He did it while competing in the National Senior Open, and the shot was witnessed by thousands of spectators lining the fairway. He hit many 400+ yard drives that day, so it was no fluke.
Mike set this incredible record at the age of 64, and it should come as no surprise that he continued hitting the ball great distances for many years—until he suffered a massive stroke at the age of 79.
Mike Austin was known for many things, but what’s gaining more interest today is the way he swung the golf club. Mike’s swing was unique compared to what is commonly taught today. By all accounts, it’s easier to learn, more effective in producing powerful shots, and much easier on the body—especially the back and knees—according to Dan Shauger, who spent over 25 years learning from and working with Mike.
“As Mike and his ball-striking abilities become more well-known, people are coming to us from all over the planet to learn the swing,” says Dan. “Many of my students are frustrated trying to learn the modern golf swing. They’re hampered by bad backs, knee problems, or simply can’t make the moves currently taught to generate distance.”
After investing heavily in lessons, suffering from physical strain, and seeing little progress, they’re eager to try something different. What they learn is this: it’s not them—it’s the technique they’ve been trying to use.
According to Shauger, Mike Austin was a very bright and well-educated man with a Ph.D. in Kinesiology (the study of how the body moves) and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering.
“Nothing in this swing is done by accident,” says Dan. “Every body movement is deliberate. There’s no guesswork.”
The swing is taught in small parts and steps that build upon one another. “We don’t use a lot of stop-action video to force people into positions,” Dan explains. “The golf swing is a fluid movement. All parts of the body move in relation to each other. It’s not a robotic exercise. When I see how people are practicing at driving ranges, I understand why they’re not getting better—the body simply doesn’t work the way they’re trying to use it.”
When asked why this swing isn’t more popular, Dan says: “Mike was the longest hitter of his—and probably any—era, but he was also way too aggressive with course management and a terrible putter. That hurt his results.”
Golf swing philosophy followed the success of players like Ben Hogan, Sam Snead, and Byron Nelson, who all had fluid but distinct swings. A common trait among them was a posted right leg that didn’t change angle at address. However, none of them pivoted the way Austin did.
After Hogan’s book Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf, the trend shifted toward quieting the lower body, reducing leg involvement, and limiting hip turn—something Mike Austin strongly opposed. “Mike was very opinionated and strong-willed,” Dan recalls. “He outdrove many of his peers by 60 to 100 yards and wasn’t shy about saying that modern instruction was heading in the wrong direction. But once a method becomes convention, it’s very hard to change people’s perceptions.”
With the rise of the internet and more golfers seeking distance, many end up discovering Mike Austin and connecting with Dan Shauger. “Make no mistake,” says Dan, “Mike was not just long—he was straighter than anyone I’ve ever seen. That’s what makes this swing so unique.”
While most golfers trade accuracy for distance, Dan’s students achieve both due to the way they pivot and use their hands and arms during the release of the club.
“I have people coming to me from all over the world,” says Dan. “Many of my longer-hitting pros are in Europe, including Olivier Schmit and Pierre Puissett, who drive the ball well over 350 yards with incredibly smooth, effortless swings. People can’t believe how far they hit it with such little perceived effort.”
Many students arrive feeling defeated, confused by modern instruction, and struggling to hit the ball with any power or accuracy. “Some have even been told to give up the game. But we’ve helped just about everyone. On average, my students gain 20 yards with their pitching wedge—let alone their woods and driver.”
“We’re getting busier,” says Dan. “We recently launched a membership site to teach the full swing method and how to play golf. The response has been great. Since the membership comes with a money-back guarantee, people feel confident they’re not wasting their time or money.”
Anyone interested should visit danshaugergolf.com.