Loopers: The Caddie's Long Walk Will Be Released in U.S. Studios This Summer

Narrated by comedy legend (and former caddie) Bill Murray, Loopers: The Caddie's Long Walk a is a fun and light-hearted film that uses humor and charm to finally give caddies their day in the sun.  And the film is now officially scheduled to release in U.S. studios this summer on June 7th. 

 

Centuries old and enjoyed by tens of millions of people worldwide, golf is seen by many as more than a sport.  Yet what do we really know about the men and women who carry the bags for the players?  In a narrative never before covered in any feature length documentary, Loopers explores the incredible personal bond that a golfer and a caddie develop through hours of time together. 

Director James Baffa's previous films like Bella Vita and One California Day are known for their visual beauty and authentic portrayal of the surfing experience.  Here, Baffa takes on golf and the sub-culture of caddying, and the result is just as spectacular with striking panoramics and captivating insights reminiscent of BBCs Planet Earth series. 

 

The sport of golf began in Scotland in the 15th century and arrived in the U.S. in the late 1800s.  Its popularity grew, and in the 1960s charismatic professional golfers such as Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer expanded its audience.  But things weren't quite as glamorous for the caddies.  At one time, the prevailing expectation for caddies was this: show up, keep up, and shut up. 

However, this inspiring documentary paints a different picture of these essential, unsung heroes, who often act as advisors, counselors, and confidants.  And today the job of a caddie has become so vital to victory there are training programs to teach these skills.  The film highlights one at Canterbury Golf Club in Beachwood, Ohio, led by renowned caddie master Mike Kiely. 

 

Producer David Brookwell said, 

"We’re thrilled to be working with Gravitas Ventures (who acquired worldwide rights) on this project.  This documentary with global appeal is right in their wheel-house and we were impressed with the marketing plan they put forth." 

Gravitas Ventures President Michael Murphy said, 

"I caddied for more than 10 years and the job taught me a lot about people, life, and hard work.  We couldn't be more excited to bring Loopers to theaters this summer.  Ultimately it's going to be an ever-green documentary that will resonate with audiences from around the world." 

Loopers made its film festival premiere on Feb. 2 at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, and also appeared successfully at the Boulder (CO) International Film Festival in March, and and the Cleveland International Film Festival in early April.  Upcoming film festivals include Newport Beach, CA (April 25-May 2), Greenwich, CT (May 29 opening night film), and the international premiere in mid-June. 

 

The film festivals early stints have drawn positive reviews, including: 

Santa Barbara Independent (January 30, 2019) 
"This weaves history with personality in telling a handful of specifically amazing golfer-caddie pairings, and is great even for those who hate golf." 

Sunday Times, Ireland (February 2, 2019) 
"Loopers charts the history of golf from its origins in Scotland to modern times.  Traditionally, the caddie's mantra was to "show up, keep up and shut up."  They were banned from the clubhouse and treated poorly.  However, they became an important part of the sport, acting as the player's technical adviser, psychologist and confidant."  

Filmthreat.com (February 15, 2019) 
"I've only played a handful of rounds of golf in my life, and I don't particularly care about the sport.  Still, I found LoopersS The Caddie's Long Walk compelling.  Any time you get somebody talking about their life's work you're probably going to get some good stories." 

 

Loopers includes interviews with World Golf Hall of Famers Sir Nick Faldo, Tom Watson, Ben Crenshaw, Lee Trevino, Curtis Strange and former Masters Tournament and U.S. Open champion Fuzzy Zoeller. 

Professional caddies who participated include Steve Williams (Tiger Woods' former caddie), Carl Jackson (Crenshaw), Fanny Sunesson (Faldo), Pete Bender (Greg Norman and others), Michael Greller (Jordan Spieth) and Jariah "Jerry" Beard (Zoeller at the 1979 Masters).  Longtime golf journalists Rick Reilly, Michael Collins (and former caddie), and Ward Clayton are also interviewed. 

What might be most fascinating about Loopers however are the unknown stories that are revealed.  Like of Greg Puga, who grew up in East Los Angeles, went on to caddie at Los Angeles' Bel-Air Country Club, and qualified as an amateur to play in the Masters Tournament.  

 

And the compelling legacy of caddie master Mike Kiely, who has been the caddie organizer at historic Canterbury Golf Club in Cleveland for a half-century and guided many caddies toward successful lives.  

The Evans Scholars Foundation and its origins is also featured, highlighting the program which has given college scholarships to more than 10,000 caddies since 1930. 

To request a theatrical or non-theatrical screening or for more information about the documentary please visit: www.loopersmovie.com.