Bobby Jones's Spoon: A Niche Golf Treat (or a Snorer?)

If you're wondering if you should watch How I Play Golf, by Bobby Jones No. 7: 'the Spoon' today, well, it's a bit of a specific taste. Hardcore golf history buffs and folks fascinated by old instructional shorts will probably get a kick out of seeing the Bobby Jones in action.

Everyone else, especially if you're hoping for drama or even just a coherent plot, might find it a bit of a snooze. It's a curiosity, not a compelling watch for the masses. 😴

A Peek into Golf's Past

The whole setup is pretty simple: Zelma O'Neal's character is miffed because her husband, played by Warren William, is spending too much time on the links with Bobby Jones. She goes to Judge Walter Huston, and he decides to go sort things out.

Of course, once Huston gets to the course, he's instantly charmed by Jones and just wants to learn. It's really just a thin excuse to get Bobby Jones on camera, showing off his swing.

And Bobby Jones, he’s… *Bobby Jones*. He moves with this easy confidence, all business. His explanations are clear, super precise, even if the film quality makes some of the details a bit hazy sometimes. You can tell he knows his stuff, no doubt about it.

Walter Huston, as the judge, is actually quite endearing. He’s supposed to be the stern one, but he quickly becomes this wide-eyed student. He genuinely seems fascinated by Jones's technique, almost like he forgot he was acting. That's a nice touch.

Warren William, though, he’s barely there, just kinda exists to be the golf-obsessed husband. He gets sidelined pretty quick once the real star, Jones, starts talking about clubs.

Cinematic perspective: Exploring the visual vocabulary of How I Play Golf, by Bobby Jones No. 7: 'the Spoon' (1931) through its definitive frames.

The Mysterious 'Spoon'

The star of the show, beyond Jones himself, is this club called the 'spoon.' Nowadays, we mostly just call them fairway woods, like a 3-wood or 4-wood. But back then, it was **the spoon**.

Jones meticulously demonstrates how to use it, emphasizing the proper stance and follow-through. It’s all very earnest, very serious golf instruction.

You see the old wooden shafts, the smaller club heads. It's a real trip to see how different golf equipment looked. The sound of the ball off the club feels… authentic.

One reaction shot of Huston watching Jones swing lingers so long it almost becomes funny. He's just captivated. It’s a moment that felt really real, almost like he forgot the camera was there.

The film doesn't try to be anything more than what it is: a short instructional piece with a light, slightly silly story around it. No grand cinematic ambition here, just golf. ⛳

Final Thoughts

For modern viewers expecting anything fast-paced or dramatic, you'll be disappointed. This is a slow burn, a historical document more than entertainment. But for those who love golf, particularly its history, this is a cool little find.

It’s a little piece of film history, a chance to see a legend at work, even if the story surrounding him is paper-thin. It’s not a movie you’ll rave about to everyone, but it’s certainly something you might mention to your golf-obsessed friend. Like, "Hey, remember when clubs were called 'spoons'?"