Bagger Vance
Watched a film last night called the legend of Bagger Vance
The film is directed by Robert Redford and tells the story of a promising golf player. He excelled in everything he did.
When War I broke out, he went to fight. He survived only to be damaged mentally and emotionally by what he saw in the war.
He returns home a broken man, not wanting any hero welcome and never goes back to the girl he left behind.
With the depression, he is asked to represent his town in The Golf tournament of the decade. He accepts only after pressure from his community butt the truth is that he lost his swing.
A mysterious caddy arrives, Bagger Vance. He tells Junuh, to stop thinking and let his authentic swing come to life. At first, Junuh does not get it and is humiliated by his weakness. Eventually he opens up. Opens up his heart to knowing his demons. He decides to come out of the shadows and to feel the field. To let go. To be happy just to play.
Some moments in the film are slightly weak but the writing is outstanding.
Swing Your Authentic Swing
I saw Junah look to Bagger Vance. We were on the sixth tee and there was no doubt what the glance meant. He wanted to see the Field. Vance grinned, with a teasing glint.
"Think you can handle it now? Yes! Now your will is engaged. Now you want the prize."
"Isn't that what I'm supposed to want?" Junah whispered back, somewhat shaken by Vance's teasing tone. "Isn't that what you told me?"
"All I want is that you swing your Authentic Swing."
Junah let out a breath, frustrated. "Please don't confuse me again, Bagger. I thought you wanted me to win."
"I couldn't care less about winning," the mysterious fellow answered. "I care about you."
Bagger Vance Lets Junah See The Field Again
He put his hand on Junah's shoulder. Junah knew what was coming. It did.
This time Vance did not ask me to share the vision; I remained on the outside, watching Junah much as a sober man may observe a drink.
"We are speaking of a State of Grace," Vance told Junah as they squinted up this gale-swept 230-yard par three, "which is by definition as aspect of the divine. You have blundered through this portal in the past, by my assistance and by happy accident, as every golfer has. Now observe it with eyes open. Learn from I . . . "
