GOLF:

There isn’t a golfer around who hasn’t at least for a moment, entertained the thought of being on the PGA Tour. Sitting in a cubicle, going over TPS reports, dreaming of sinking a putt to win the U.S. Open, is a daydream that is played in the minds of many who work 9 to 5 and play golf any other time.

For most that is as far as it gets. It’s a nice fantasy that is added to our middle-aged repertoire, shelving it next to a wild fling with a supermodel and racing a James Bond-esque automobile through the Pyrenees.

Not Jon Fitzgerald, however. He took the dream and is trying to make it a reality. In addition he is giving the public a chance to live the dream with him. Fitzgerald, who is a filmmaker, teams up with director Ron Vignone to produce a documentary called “The Back Nine,” which will debut at this week’s Newport Beach Film Festival. The film will be shown at the Lido Theater on Saturday at 3:45 p.m.

This is far more than a golf documentary, however. There is another layer at work. Fitzgerald does not have the luxury of just quitting his job and hitting range balls. He has a wife and daughter to support and the film aims to show the struggle of his commitment to his responsibilities and his goal of playing golf.

Fitzgerald begins his quest by assembling a team. He finds a swing coach, fitness and nutrition advisors, and develops a strategy. He recruits PGA Professional instructor Tim Suzor of the Kinetic Golf Academy in Scottsdale, Ariz., along with yoga guru and mental coach Katherine Roberts and a team of physical coaches to help with fitness and nutrition.

Cutter & Buck signs on to outfit Fitzgerald. Meanwhile, when Fitzgerald isn’t putting on his Synlawn backyard putting green, he’s working out at Evolve Fitness or hitting balls wearing an electronic gizmo called a K-Vest that captures and analyzes his swing through wireless sensors.

Fitzgerald commits the practice and sees his game improve substantially in the first year and he makes the decision to try and play some professional tournaments. He joins The Golf Channel’s Amateur Tour and remarkably, manages to win in his first event. Later, he receives an invitation to the National Championships in Orlando, Fla., but there is a twist that is captured in the film.

I like the concept of the film, though it has been done in varying forms. What I think will set this apart is the back story. It appears as Fitzgerald goes through this process, he also learns more about himself and his family life.

As part of the research of golf and Fitzgerald history, he and his father embark on a trip to the UK. The Fitzgeralds have an opportunity to play the courses at the home of golf, from St Andrews to Prestwick, an experience they have trouble putting into words. From there, he and his father take the short trip to Ireland with, where they learn of their family’s royalty during the early years of the country. The Fitzgeralds stay at the Carton House, where Lord Edward Fitzgerald was born, and where Stanley Kubrick shot the movie, “Barry Lyndon.” Then it’s a night at the Fitzgerald owned Glin Castle, yet another storied compound.

It is those scenes and interaction with his own family that Fitzgerald starts to grow not only as a golfer, but as a person.

What the filmmakers have hoped to capture is the evolution of Fitzgerald’s character, as he chases a dream of playing professional sports. What occurs is a shift in priorities. While the dream of playing professional golf is still very much alive, a new goal takes center stage. No longer defined by career success, Fitzgerald develops a stronger conviction to provide the support he and his family need to find the right path.

This looks like a well-thought out film of a personal journey, weaving golf into the plot. I love documentaries and look forward to seeing this film that appears to be much more than a golf movie.

JOHN REGER’S golf column appears Thursdays. He may be reached by e-mail at nolimepublishing@aol.com or by regular mail at P.O. Box 2984, Seal Beach, CA 907040.