Recently I
viewed the documentary The Short Game,
a film about 8 year old golfers competing in a major tournament at Pinehurst. I
must say, this was a good movie for all audiences, whether you’re 8 or 80. This
movie does a great job expressing sports in a family movie. If others are
interested the movie can be viewed with a Netflix subscription.
I am talking about this movie for a
couple reasons. The kids in this movie show extreme dedication to such a hard
sport in golf. Many people play, but not many are good, and these kids worked
really hard to obtain their skills. These kids show more dedication to the game
then I have ever seen. They’re out there all hours of the day, doing nothing
but playing golf. As a golfer myself, I respect and adore their faith to the
game, something I never had as a child at that age towards anything.
So why does my opinion matter on any
of this? Well, it’s not my opinion but rather my experience. As a dedicated
golfer myself, having played for a long time now, have gone through the same
things that they have to less of an extent. I still find myself struggling to
come off of the 18th green just barely shooting 90 or less, and
still struggling to continue my game at a competitive level. I have seen the
best and the worse of this game. During my high school years of golf, I have
seen the team have only two kids try out for the team, barely putting a team of
six together when 8 are needed and winning not a single match. I have seen the
same team come out the next year and win the entire league championship. I have
felt the effect of the most popular sports take players away from one of the
greatest games ever played.
To me, seeing these kids play is a
breath of fresh air. At 18 years old, I find myself one of the youngest kids on
the course in my home town. When everybody around you is 70+ years in age, it
makes the game feel like its dying. These kids give me a sense of excitement,
seeing them enjoy this game and want to play. They dedicate their entire time
to the game, something I wish I could do. It is a great feeling to see kids
enjoying the same game that I love.
Golf is no easy game, but these kids
make it seem so easy. I found myself rooting for all the kids to come in first,
even though it is not physically possible. Many of the kids are likeable as
well. I still feel like my history allows me to appreciate the film without
creating a bias. Many of the members in my family who never play golf enjoyed
it as well. I recommend the film for all audiences, anybody who loves sports,
but especially for the struggling golfer such as myself.
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