Is "The Long Game" Based on a True Story?

The Long Game is a historical-drama movie released in the US on April 12, 2023. It delves into the story of the San Felipe Mustangs, a group of Mexican-American youths from Del Rio, Texas, who took part in the 1957 Golf Texas state championship. Initially formed in order to play in a white country club in Del Rio, the group underwent a range of obstacles. Not just to initially be allowed to play, but also to win the state championship in 1957.

As the concept suggests, the movie is indeed based on a true story, revolving around five Mexican-American students, namely

Joe Treviño (Julian Works), Gene Vasquez (Gregory Diaz IV), Felipe Romero (Miguel Angel Garcia), Mario Lomas (Christian Gallegos), and Lupe Felan (José Julián)

Directed by Julio Quintana, the movie has the following official synopsis:

“In 1955, five young Mexican-American caddies, out of the love for the game, were determined to learn how to play, so they created their own golf course in the middle of the South Texas desert.”

It follows a remarkable true story that not only presents to its audience an accurate historical depiction but also gets the sporting aspects of its narrative right.

The Long Game is indeed based on a true story!

The story of The Long Game has been adapted from novelist Humberto G. Garcia’s 2012 published book, Mustang Miracle, and delves into a time when discrimination based on skin color was rampant throughout the USA. The group of students, despite being talented golf players, are all banned from playing at an all-white country club in Del Rio.

However, they respond by making their own makeshift golf course and then using a variety of tools to play the game. The group used rakes and shovels instead of actual golf sticks and decided to prove their talent by participating in the Texas State High-School Golf Championship in 1957. A historically accurate depiction of the ‘American Dream,’ the movie itself featured several other actual historical figures in its narration as well.

That includes J.B. Peña, who was portrayed by Jay Hernandez. He is a district superintendent who is also denied entry to the golf club and responds by forming a team at the San Felipe High School.

The role of Frank Mitchell is played by Dennis Quaid, who was a war veteran, a friend of J.B. Pena, and a member of the country club the group were denied entry to. He ends up helping the golf team in order to prepare for the championship.

Finally, the third important historical figure portrayed in The Long Game is Pollo, who was played by Cheech Marin and was a groundskeeper who helped the team with a range of golf equipment, while his experience as a technician also played a pivotal role for the team.

Hence, not only is the movie based on an actual story, but it also does a brilliant job of inculcating real narratives and includes a range of characters who played a role in the state championship win. The Long Game is therefore not only a sports-movie that brings to the fore the determination and struggles that the group undertook.

It is also an accurate historical depiction of a remarkable story of grit, as the group eventually succeeded despite being denied entry due to their skin color.

---

The Long Game is now available to be watched on Amazon Prime.