Is The Long Game based on a true story? Golf film explained

As an avid film enthusiast and someone who appreciates a good underdog story, I was absolutely captivated by “The Long Game” on Netflix. The movie took me back to a time in history where discrimination was rampant, yet the human spirit of determination and resilience shone through.

The genre of films about underdogs in sports is tried and true, and a new addition to this theme is now streaming on Netflix.

In the 1950s setting, “The Long Game” introduces us to the motivating tale of a team of determined Mexican-American golf enthusiasts, named the San Felipe Mustangs, featuring Jay Hernandez and Dennis Quaid in the leading roles.

Despite being denied the opportunity to play at the local country club where they worked as caddies due to its all-white membership, the group persisted and triumphantly overcame significant discrimination to make golfing history.

If you’ve seen the movie, you may be pondering how closely its plot aligns with reality. Here’s a breakdown for you.

Is The Long Game based on a true story?

Affirmative! The majority of the content presented in The Long Game is drawn from real-life events. The movie is inspired by Humberto G Garcia’s 2012 non-fiction book, titled Mustang Miracle.

In the 1950s, the Mustang football team was established in Del Rio, Texas, with several students from San Felipe High School as its foundation.

Among the original members were Mario Lomas, Felipe Romero, Lupe Falen, Joe Trevino, and Gene Vasquez – each making an appearance in “The Long Game.”

After getting jobs as caddies at a local golf club, they developed an interest in the sport. However, due to the club’s discriminatory rule, they were unable to play on the course themselves because only white people were permitted.

I have always been deeply moved by stories of overcoming adversity and the power of determination to achieve success. JB Peña’s story is a perfect example of this. Played brilliantly by Jay Hernandez in the film, JB himself had faced discrimination and prejudice. But instead of letting it defeat him, he chose to channel his energy into something positive. He took it upon himself to coach a group of teenagers who, like him, were likely facing their own challenges. With JB’s guidance and unwavering belief in their abilities, they went on to become the 1957 Texas state champions. It’s an inspiring tale that highlights the importance of perseverance and the positive impact one person can have on the lives of others.

In an interview with EW, Gene Vasquez, a previous team member, shared that the story was “a realization of a cherished aspiration” or “an answer to a long-held wish.”

He shared that we grew up battling intense poverty and prejudice. Our parents were immigrants and uneducated, leaving us in a state of severe financial hardship.

For us, it was truly exhilarating to have the opportunity to caddy, earn some income, and pick up golf skills by observing the golfers’ moves.

After that, we came up with a brilliant plan – building our very own golf course. We collected all the necessary tools and began taking swings.

I’m thrilled that “The Long Game” is now streaming on Netflix! If you’re not already a member, you can sign up for as little as £4.99 a month. Plus, Netflix is also accessible on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream, so you have plenty of options to watch it conveniently.

2024-07-24 20:33

Is The Long Game based on a true story?

Read More