A New Documentary Chronicles the Quest to Become a Golf Pro

At some point or another, almost every hardcore golfer wonders if they have what it takes to become a pro golfer.  Depending on where we are in life, the realities of the game, and other factors, most of us shed that dream because it is almost impossible to pursue. 

Not so for filmmaker Jon Fitzgerald.  He decided that he would embark on a ten year plan to make it to the Champions Tour - starting three years ago.  Ultimately, he wound up filming that journey and the end product - a documentary film called The Back Nine - will be shown in movie theaters around the country tomorrow, June 25.  Eventually, the film will reach distribution to 300 theaters nationwide and hit DVD as well.

The movie tells the story of how Jon formed a brain trust to help him with his game, including golf fitness guru Katherine Roberts and Dr. Joe Parent as a mental coach.  The film chronicles Jon's progress with his game, but also his struggles in trying to maintain a work-life-golf balance so that he can bring in enough money to support his family and be a father to his children.

I spoke with Jon over email about the film, his quest, and other lessons from his experience.  You can find that Q & A after the jump.

I was playing golf in Palm Springs, during one of my annual retreats there, and started thinking how fun it would be to work as hard as possible, surround myself with the best team, and actually see if I could eventually get good enough to play on the Champions tour.  I figured I was started as a 15 handicap, and had 10 years. Why not give it a shot?  Shortly after having the idea of the quest, being in the film business, I thought it would make for an interesting documentary. So we decided to film the journey. I didn’t really know.  Based on research and conversations with experts, consensus is that it takes 10 years to reach the highest skill level.  The two big questions are (1) How much time can I apply to a program to see game improve and (2) Can this 10 year process be accelerated with the new technologies we are seeing and perhaps a new approach to developing as a player?  I actually believe it can happen in less than 10 years, but that would require a time commitment that may be too much to ask given my other responsibilities. Even with my current responsibilities, I have seen improvement.  So I do believe it’s possible.  Time will tell. Family issues and lessons certainly become the most important elements.  It’s safe to say that my personal reflection and exploration into father figures and family dynamics all become more important lessons that the golf itself.  The movie, thanks in large part to co-director Ron Vignone, interweaves several personal storylines that were not part of the original story structure. That is the beauty of making a documentary.  You start with a core concept and a few ideas to support it, and once you start shooting, the film takes on a life of its own.  Something interesting reveals itself and you follow that track.  For example, we didn’t know when we started production nearly 3 years ago, that I would have a son born during production.  This blessing certainly affected our family and the film on many levels.  While it was important for me personally to have these personal revelations, based on audience feedback, it’s the personal storylines that help the film reach a whole new level. Non golfers are really enjoying it and inspired by the messages.  That’s very gratifying. I think it’s true that everyone, at every age and skill level, will have personal issues to balance while working on their games.  I do believe the older you get, the more balls you have in the air.  When you have big mortgage payments, two kids and full time job, golf becomes more challenging than it will be for many college graduates.  Many younger players have less family obligations and while everyone faces financial issues, the monthly nut can be lower.  Part time work and/or some sponsorship support can be enough to allow for many more hours of practice.  Having said that, even if it take me longer, I guess you could argue that by having other sources of income, the golf and winning purses does not become life or death.  I don’t want to be in a situation where I have to win a tournament to be able to pay the bills, and I respect and appreciate that is a big difference. I think I probably would eventually get to scratch without the team, but there are several thousand scratch golfers out there.  What this team will make possible is the great leap from there.  Tim has helped me build the right foundation which will help going forward with my drills and practice. Katherine has helped personally and in terms of physical exercise and yoga, which clearly will have long term ramifications; and Dr Joe Parent has helped me mentally, which makes a big difference when you start getting into competition.  There are a lot of scratch golfers than would probably struggle in tournament situations.  This team will not only help me get my game in the best shape, but will enable me to develop the skill set and mental aptitude to play in tournament situations. This I probably would not be able to have achieved without them. I think if I had the team we’ve brought together, and I didn’t have to work a day job, I could make this dream a reality before turning 50.  My single biggest obstacle is time.  Yes, I have family obligations, but so do most pros.  Having a family to spend time with is a blessing. It’s the work thing that really gets in the way.  We have a big monthly nut and I have to keep the money coming in to support us.  This does not leave enough time to work on the game and/or play practice rounds.