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6.4/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 6.4/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. How I Play Golf, by Bobby Jones No. 12: 'A Round of Golf' remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
Is this worth watching today? Only if you actually like golf or old-timey sports reels.
If you are looking for a drama like A Woman of Affairs, you are definitely in the wrong place. ⛳
This is basically a 1930s YouTube tutorial before the internet was even a thought.
Bobby Jones shows up, hits some balls, and makes everyone else look like they have never seen a club before.
It is really just a short film of a guy being unbelievably good at his job.
The film is called 'A Round of Golf' and it does exactly what the title says. No surprises here.
Jones walks around the course with this incredibly calm energy.
He is wearing these baggy trousers and a sweater that looks suspiciously itchy.
There is something about the way he addresses the ball that feels almost holy.
The camerawork is pretty simple and mostly just stands there and watches him swing.
I noticed that the greens look like they are made of rough carpet.
Modern golfers would probably complain about the 'speed' of these greens for hours.
Jones just putts it right in without even thinking about it too much.
He does not even look like he is trying that hard.
The audio has that specific crackle of early sound films. It is kind of soothing, honestly.
George Marshall is in this too.
He is the director, but he pops up on screen to help move things along.
It is weird seeing people treat golf like such a formal event.
Everyone is in ties and hats like they are going to a wedding.
I can barely walk 18 holes in shorts without getting tired.
These guys are doing it in heavy wool. That is the real feat here.
There is a moment where he hits out of a bunker.
The sand does not even look like sand—it is more like dark grey dust.
But the ball just pops out perfectly every single time.
You can tell he is not just a player; he is a teacher at heart.
He explains things in a way that is easy to get.
Even if you do not play, you can appreciate the rhythm of his movement. It is like watching a dance.
If you want a real plot, go watch Patsy instead.
This is just a guy, a club, and a ball.
It is short, it is sweet, and it does not overstay its welcome.
I wish more things today were this straightforward.
No flashy graphics and no loud music. Just the sound of a clean strike.
It is almost like a meditation. 🧘♂️
The print I saw was a bit beat up with scratches all over the frame.
But it adds to the charm of the whole thing.
It feels like you are watching a piece of history that survived by accident.
Bobby Jones looks like he is having a decent time.
He is the only person who could make a golf instructional video feel like cinema.
Maybe I will go practice my swing now.
Probably will not look this good, though.
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