Synopsis

Upon turning 40, an above-average golfer accepts the challenge to chase his dream of playing professional golf. With his passion for the sport, the right team, training schedule and commitment, will he have his chance?

Armed with determination, Fitzgerald puts his team in place. He finds a swing coach, fitness and nutrition advisors, and develops a strategy. After doing the research, and talking to a wide range of experts, Fitzgerald commits the practice and sees his game improve substantially in the first year.

However, unlike professional golfers who earn a living on the course, Fitzgerald must find a way to balance this new goal with his family life, while working to pay the bills. His day job as a filmmaker and film festival consultant demands long hours. His hardest challenge is finding enough time to bring his game to the highest level.

Over the course of this journey, Fitzgerald must also come to terms with who he is, balancing the experience and guidance of his two father figures – polar opposites as people and influences in his life. Now with children of his own, Fitzgerald senses an opportunity. Recognizing where his life’s mentors have fallen short, Fitzgerald sees his turn at fatherhood as a chance to “break the cycle” and establish a new approach to life, family and golf. THE BACK NINE presents the challenges inherent with finding the right balance between Fitzgerald’s personal and professional goals.

With a daughter in elementary school, and new son on the way, Fitzgerald continues to improve his game. Eventually, in order to put his new game to the test, he joins The Golf Channel’s Amateur Tour, and competes in tournaments throughout the year. His goal is to reach the National Championships in Orlando, Florida.

Overcoming many obstacles, Fitzgerald secures enough points to earn an invitation to the National Championships. Unfortunately, his primary client at the time is in the Middle East and their event dates bookend the Championships. He doesn’t have much choice. He must delay his quest and fulfill his professional obligations.

Through triumph and disappointment, Fitzgerald develops a new understanding for his priorities. His golf has improved. There is hope for his future, success on every level; but playing professional golf will have to wait. His quest will take longer than anticipated.

He learns that golf mirrors life, the need for patience and discipline, focus and imagination. Through it all, Fitzgerald discovers that finding the right balance in life will only make him a better player, father, husband and person.