Watch The Short Game

The Short Game is a documentary film released in 2013, directed by Josh Greenbaum, that takes us inside the world of competitive junior golf, following eight of the best 7- and 8-year-old golfers in the world. The film chronicles the journeys of these young golfing prodigies as they prepare for and compete in the World Championships of Junior Golf, held annually at the iconic Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina. We follow them from their hometowns in America, France, South Africa, China, and other countries as they travel to compete in qualifying tournaments and prepare mentally and physically for the big event.

Throughout the film, we meet the young golfers and their families and coaches, who have dedicated their lives to their children's dreams of becoming professional golfers. The children, each with their unique personalities and quirks, are all incredibly skilled golfers, spending hours upon hours practicing and perfecting their swings, putts, and drives.

We see the pressure and highs and lows that come with the intense competition, and how the young golfers handle both success and failure. The film also touches on the sacrifices that the families make, including the financial burden of travel, equipment, and coaching.

One of the central storylines of the film is the rivalry between Allan Kournikova, younger brother of tennis star Anna Kournikova, and Amari Avery, a young girl from California who has a fierce determination to become the best golfer in the world. Both Allan and Amari are incredibly talented and have won numerous tournaments leading up to the World Championships. However, as we see in the film, talent alone is not enough to guarantee success.

We also meet Jed Dy, a young boy from the Philippines who comes from a less privileged background but has an unshakeable passion for the game. He gains attention for his unique swing, which he has developed using bamboo sticks and makeshift equipment.

The film is shot beautifully, with stunning footage of the young golfers playing on some of the most beautiful and challenging golf courses in the world. Music plays a significant role in the film, with a vibrant and upbeat soundtrack that adds to the excitement and energy of the competition scenes.

The Short Game is an inspiring and heartwarming film that reminds us of the joys and challenges of striving for greatness at such a young age. It shows that even the most talented athletes still need the support and encouragement of their families and coaches to succeed, and that true success comes not just from winning tournaments, but from learning to handle both success and failure with grace and resilience.

Overall, The Short Game is a must-watch for anyone who loves golf, sports, or stories of young people pursuing their dreams. It is an uplifting and entertaining documentary that will leave you feeling inspired and joyful.

The Short Game is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 51.