Best Golf Film of The Year: The Back Nine

So I finally got a chance to watch Jon Fitzgerald’s wonderful film, The Back Nine, It’s Time to Take Your Shot, which he so generously sent me.

The film chronicles Jon’s quest to play pro golf at the age of 40.

I must admit when first watching it that Jon’s swing was no where near professional quality. So it was hard to “believe” that he would ever come close to playing at a professional level. (But he did improve – getting to a 4 handicap!)

But as the film progressed and more of the story of Jon was revealed I began to see just what a huge heart and desire this guy has. It’s really a film about transformation – and on so many levels.

Without giving away too much. Jon had essential 2 fathers growing up. One a pragmatic, reserved, physician stepfather and the other, his biological father – a bawdy, emotional, former athlete who shared the game with him growing up in Palm Springs.

It’s easy to see how Jon suffered from a kind of identity crisis in dealing with these two very different fathers he had to reconcile with somehow. And he used golf to heal both relationships in a way that was just magical to watch.

I found myself caring less and less about his journey to becoming a pro and more about his transformation as a 40 year man, husband and father.

Not that the golf part was understated. It was not. I came away with a totally increased appreciation of the dedication and the commitment it takes to play golf.

It was fascinating to watch Jon assemble his golf team – from personal trainer, to swing coach, to mental coach and more. Just some fabulous insights into the science and technology of today’s game.

The movie also has a very memorable scene of Jon playing with his biological father at St. Andrews, Prestwick and other fabulous links courses in Scotland and Ireland. It was their dream to play there together. The scenes and film footage are just incredible.

In the end, The Back Nine is about a man’s quest to heal his past through golf, become a pro at age 40 and realize your dreams. But how the process transformed him and his relationship to his family is the real story.

I am so glad Jon took the chance to share (and film) his journey with us. Please give yourself (and your family) the gift of watching this amazing film. You will not soon forget it.

Pick it up here: The Back Nine

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