The Short Game is an inspiring sports drama that follows high school senior Jeremy Avery, a talented golfer chasing a college scholarship by winning the Texas State Championship. But life off the course threatens to derail his game—his mother is recovering from cancer, and he’s forced to care for his younger autistic brother, Ethan. What begins as a frustrating obligation becomes transformative when Jeremy discovers Ethan’s extraordinary gift for reading the golf course, revealing the potential for an unexpected and powerful partnership.
As Jeremy wrestles with pressure, self-doubt, and a ruthless rival, he must choose between chasing his own dreams or embracing the deeper value of family, faith, and connection. His decision will not only shape his future but redefine what success truly means.
The film is deeply personal for director and Sherman resident, Frank Sanza, a former high school golfer and father to an autistic child. While the story is fictional, many of its emotional beats and family dynamics are inspired by his real-life experiences. Sanza uses the world of golf as both a literal and metaphorical backdrop to explore themes of resilience, neurodiversity, and the importance of recognizing the “short game”—in golf and in life—as the key to true fulfillment.
Creating The Short Game as an independent film allowed Sanza the creative freedom to tell a story rooted in authenticity, love, and hope. Backed by a passionate and experienced team, he delivers a heartfelt film that sheds light on the unique strengths of children on the autism spectrum, while celebrating the bonds that make us whole.
THE SHORT GAME opens in select theaters July 25th and across the country on August 1st