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Designer of the Augusta National Golf Club where the Masters Tournament is played, Bobby Jones is a golf legend, portrayed in this biopic by Jim Caviezel (THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST). The film shows the tremendous achievements for which Jones will be forever remembered, while also realistically conveying the challenges he faced, and the great golfers who mentored him along the way. Sweeping photography adds breathtaking appeal to the chronological story of Jones' life. Growing up in Atlanta, Georgia, where he was born in 1902, he suffered from a stomach illness that made him unable to join other boys in playing baseball. Instead, he followed his father's games of golf and practiced by himself. By age 14, he was competing in national competitions, and was recognized as a fine golfer with perfect form and a remarkable stroke. Atlanta Journal writer O.B. Keeler (Malcolm McDowell) predicted that Jones would become one of the greatest golfers of all time, and, through years of close friendship, he saw that become a reality. Not only was Jones the winner of the Grand Slam--a combination of four tournaments that consisted of the U.S. Amateur, the U.S. Open, the British Amateur, and the British Open--he brought a high level of integrity to the game. His admirable golf career was not the limit of his success, however. He also earned degrees in engineering, English literature, and law--and opened a private law practice after he retired from professional golf in 1930. A delightful film that benefits from strong performances, including those of supporting actors Claire Forlani and Jeremy Northam, BOBBY JONES: STROKE OF GENIUS nicely captures Jones' chapter in the history of golf.
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