Watch The Short Game

The Short Game is a 2013 documentary that premiered on Netflix in 2014. Esquire Network later picked up the distribution rights of the show. The documentary follows eight of the best seven-year-old golfers in the world as they train for the World Championship of Junior Golf in Pinehurst, North Carolina. The film explores what it takes to be a child prodigy in the sport of golf and how young athletes are groomed for such an achievement.

Directed by Josh Greenbaum, the documentary explores the ups and downs of the game as each child battles it out on the green. With U.S. Kids Golf as the official partner of the show, it takes a deep dive into the company's meticulous planning and execution of the event. The children come from diverse backgrounds, including Texas, South Africa, France, and China, and they all share the ambition of making it to the top-level tournaments of golf.

At the center of the documentary is Allan Kournikova, younger brother of retired tennis pro Anna Kournikova. Allan is a prodigy who started playing golf when he was just two years old. He is joined by his fellow competitors: Augustin Valery, a young French boy who is homeschooled and practices golf for four hours every day; Zamokuhle Nxasana, a South African who is supported by his grandmother and is hoping to earn a scholarship in the future; and Alexa Pano, a Floridian girl who has already won over 200 tournaments and is the youngest golfer to qualify for the U.S. Women's Amateur Championship.

The documentary depicts the intense training and competition, as well as the emotional and physical toll it takes on the young athletes. It highlights the supportive role of parents in their children's athletic endeavors, as they travel with them and watch them compete. Parents also contribute to the financial aspect of their child's athletic career, as the equipment and travel costs can be expensive.

The show also touches on the importance of mental toughness for young athletes. While the players are all incredibly skilled at the game, their emotional reactions to wins and losses are a significant factor in their performance. The film shows how coaches help the children develop their emotional intelligence and resilience in the face of pressure and defeat.

Through interviews with coaches, players, and parents, The Short Game explores the sacrifices necessary to excel at golf at such a young age. The children are still growing and developing, so they must be careful about their diet and physical training to prevent injury. It also examines the different approaches to training, such as personalized coaching versus group training.

Ultimately, The Short Game is an intimate and heartwarming story about the pursuit of excellence at a young age. It gives an insight into the passion, drive, and hard work it takes to compete at the highest level in sports. Even if you are not a golf fan, it's an enjoyable and inspiring film that may make you want to pick up a club and head to the green.

The Short Game is a series that ran for 1 seasons (10 episodes) between January 20, 2015 and on Esquire