Opinion & Analysis

Preview: “The Short Game” Netflix Documentary

Published

13 years ago

Dec 7, 2013

I’ve worked in the film business for some time now I have access to an abundant amount of great stories. Rarely does something come along that unexpectedly smashes me over the head and leaves me with a feeling that I never want this to end.

On Dec. 12 at 12:01 a.m. Netflix will release its first original documentary entitled “The Short Game,” which gives viewers a sweet and humorous glimpse inside the lives of the world’s best 7-year-old golfers at the Kids World Championship in Pinehurst, N.C. It is executive produced by Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel and directed by Emmy award-winner Josh Greenbaum. His feature debut premiered at South by Southwest (SXSW) and won the 2013 Audience Award. It was Academy qualified in a limited theatrical release through Phase 4 Films and Samuel Goldwyn Films.

Without revealing too much, I will say that “The Short Game” is the most compelling documentary I have seen in a very long time. It will make you laugh, cry, cheer and will remind you of why we love the game of golf so very much.

The characters (7-year-old golf giants) are priceless and the parents are a great compliment to the action. It’s not the story of parents pushing their kids to unattainable lengths but very much the story of pride, love and pure sportsmanship. I was proud to be a part of the golfing community after I finished it.

Bottom line, the game’s future is in very good hands.

TRAILER and NETFLIX press release below:

NETFLIX ADDS AWARD-WINNING FILM “THE SHORT GAME” TO ITS ORIGINAL DOCUMENTARY SLATE

Beverly Hills, CA — Netflix will launch “The Short Game” on Thursday, December 12th at 12:01 AM PT. The documentary, which will be the first original documentary available on the service, follows eight of the most competitive golfers around the globe, all who happen to be under the ripe age of seven years old, as they train for and compete in the World Championship of Junior Golf. The Netflix original documentary will be available to stream in all territories where Netflix is available – U.S., Canada, the UK, Ireland, Latin America, the Nordics and the Netherlands.

“‘The Short Game’ provides a highly entertaining, family friendly and joyful vantage into a unique world that most people fantasize about: being the best in the world at something. The fact that this dream is pursued by children playing a grownups’ game is intriguing and inspiring,” says Lisa Nishimura, Netflix VP of Original Documentary and Comedy. “We seek to provide the very best storytelling within the documentary filmmaking category and ‘The Short Game’ is the rare example of a beautifully told and heart-warming tale which appeals to all generations.”

“As a filmmaker, you hope your work will reach as many people as possible and that’s what’s so exciting about partnering with Netflix, who are presenting some of the most original and cutting edge programming on the planet right now,” said director Josh Greenbaum. “The idea of people all across the world being able to watch the film is a dream come true.”

“The Short Game” is produced by Rafael Marmor, Christopher Leggett, and Josh Greenbaum, and executive produced by Jessica Biel, Justin Timberlake, Timm Oberwelland, John Battsek and David Frankel.

Hold on to your hats, it’s quite a ride!

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8 Comments

JDee

Dec 23, 2013 at 5:16 pm

My wife & I volunteered at Pine Needles this past summer, one of the US Kids World Championship sites.. Two of the players featured in the Short Game Movie, Allan Kournikova and Alexa Pano also won again this year for the 3rd straight year.

Was interesting watching both play, then to watch the movie later. The movie was filmed in 2011 & 2012. So, 1-2 years later was interesting to see differences from those shown in movie. Both players were much more independent, receiving less input from their caddy or father, often choosing their own club and type of shot.

Made me wonder IF, the movie producers overplayed the parental involvement in some cases, as these 2 had awesome relationships, on and off the course until…..

I watched HBO “Trophy Kids”, I watched the father of Amari Avery call her every name in the book [ really bad stuff], and she appears to have his disposition also. Very disturbing….VERY.

But overall, this movie awesome representation of junior golf, and the players top level. Alexa , may be the best young female junior I’ve ever seen in 40 years of instruction. Hits it 210 at 8 years old, but also her short game off the charts, easily can play with girls twice her age. Allan, strong, hits it very long, but plays with an intensity you do not teach. Watching him play, you could feel his desire.. One of the parents said the same about Jed Dy,,an incredible talent.

Yet off the course…young kids who love the game. That, is much healthier than sitting in front of computer every day.

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John kuczeski

Dec 11, 2013 at 4:30 pm

I have been counting the days for the release! Our entire family will be watching it! Thanks for the review!

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David

Dec 10, 2013 at 6:30 am

“Rarely does something come along that unexpectedly smashes me over the head and leaves me with a feeling that I never want this to end.” is an unusual way to describe pleasure.

If someone punched you in the face would you have the feeling that you never wanted that to end either?

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Henry Stetina

Dec 10, 2013 at 12:51 am

This is really neat. I am excited to see it.

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Corrie-Lynn's Dad

Dec 9, 2013 at 12:38 am

I will be watching this. I have a 2 year old daughter and I can’t wait to give her the chance I never had. I din’t pick up the game till I was 27. 31 now.

Reply Report comment
Ken Chang

Dec 8, 2013 at 1:27 pm

As a parent I’m looking forward to seeing this. Your child doing well is a bonus. Seeing them enjoy what they do and watching their process of discovering their talent at whatever level is the prize.

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TheLegend

Dec 7, 2013 at 7:33 pm

Looking forward to watching this!

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Greg Hunter

Dec 7, 2013 at 4:21 pm

been waiting for something like this

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Opinion & Analysis

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