Instead of focusing on typical underdog tales, The Long Game draws attention to a real-life account from the 1950s where five young Mexican-American boys took bold steps with golf clubs in hand. Directed by Julio Quintana, the film addresses how these boys faced racial prejudice and economic limitations.
They managed to rewrite their own story. It also presents a broader view of how Mexican-Americans were treated back then, showing how these boys, who started as mere caddies, earned a new level of respect for their community.
Golf was the game, but dignity was the real prize (Photo: Mucho Mas Media/Fifth Season, Mucho Mas Media, Bonniedale, and Jaguar Bite)What happens in the film?
The story centres on five caddies — Joe, Gene, Mario, Felipe, and Lupe — working at an elite American golf club. These boys, from humble backgrounds, hustle around the grounds doing tasks for wealthy members and their families.
On another track, JB Pena, who had returned from World War II without any commendation due to his Mexican heritage, takes up a role as superintendent at San Felipe School. Golf meant a lot to JB, and he tried to gain access to the high-status golf club through his war friend Frank, a former marine.
Although Frank’s reference wasn’t enough for JB to gain membership because of his ethnicity, he didn’t give up. Instead, he formed a golf team from the five boys and set out to change their lives.
Through their journey, the film shows how they fought their way through discrimination to compete in real tournaments, eventually claiming the State Championship.
How does JB make his team?
Rather than simply convincing the boys, JB had to earn their trust and push through barriers. Joe had the most potential, but his father didn’t support the idea. JB helped him understand that if he ever wanted to be respected, he had to claim it by himself.
Since public golf courses were off-limits to them, the team built makeshift practice areas. JB asked Frank to help out as assistant coach, using Frank’s golf experience. Although hesitant at first, Frank changed his mind when he saw the boys building a sand trap in the woods.
JB didn’t only teach the game; he taught the boys how to carry themselves properly both on and off the course. Knowing what was expected of Mexicans in that era, he stressed the importance of discipline. The boys were once caught by the club’s groundskeeper, Pollo, while sneaking into the course at night.
Pollo, also a war veteran who kept to himself, saw their genuine effort and gave them old golf gear and clubs that had been left behind. After getting turned down from several tournaments, the team finally got into a junior competition.
Their character and sportsmanship made an impression, and Frank named them the Mustangs. He then shared the news that they would be invited to play in more tournaments.
What happens to the Mustangs after their first tournament?
While returning to Texas, the team stopped at a roadside diner where they were refused service because of their background. Joe responded to the insult by smashing a window with a golf ball. They quickly left, but JB wasn’t pleased with Joe’s behaviour.
JB reminded him that such actions could bring danger to other Mexicans who might come to the diner later. Joe saw his picture in the newspaper the next day and angrily handed it to his father after tearing it apart. At a local fair, Joe’s father learned about his son’s passion for golf.
Daniela, Joe’s classmate who had feelings for him, stepped in to save him from shame. Joe, flustered by her presence, started to stutter. The two grew close, and Daniela shared her dream of becoming a writer. That night, Joe saw his father trying to destroy his golf clubs in a fire.
Although he managed to stop him, his father became violent in trying to force him to give up. Joe, however, stood his ground and refused to back away from the sport he loved.
How did the Mustangs qualify for the state championship?
Through several victories, the team eventually earned a spot in the regional tournament. JB told them that this match would either mark the end or open the way to the State Championship. They gave it their all, but a white player named Tim Cox began to cheat by tampering with the course and distracting Joe.
Joe lost control and retaliated, which led to his disqualification and his score being voided. However, Gene — the team’s most underestimated player — had an incredible round that day. His score helped the Mustangs advance to the state championship, using his performance in place of Joe’s.
Why does JB get arrested?
While preparing for the State Championship, the boys decided to cross the border into Mexico. They found a local man who helped them wade through a small river. In a local bar, some locals mocked them for their broken Spanish, claiming they weren’t truly Mexican.
Gene struck one of the men with a bottle, and the group had to escape. They swam back across the river to safety. When the tournament began the next day, the Mustangs played well and reached second place. Joe was close to finishing his final hole when police officers appeared with the diner owner.
Joe got arrested for the earlier incident, which caused the team to fall from second to fifth place. Judge Cox then gave an offer — he would release Joe without punishment if the team pulled out of the competition, and he promised JB membership at the club.
JB stood his ground and refused to sacrifice the team’s efforts. He took the blame for the incident and allowed Joe and the others to continue. JB was later released with help from his contacts, but he assumed that the team’s chances were finished.
Meanwhile, Joe disagreed with Daniela, who revealed she was moving to Austin. Joe reacted harshly, hurting her by saying disrespectful things about her grandmother, leading to their breakup.
What does JB do after the heartbreak?
Later that night, JB returned to the golf course with his clubs and a bottle of champagne. He started striking balls across the field, pouring his frustrations into the game. His solitude was broken when Pollo came out from the shadows. Pollo reminded JB that fairness doesn’t exist for many people, especially for Mexicans.
Sharing his own wartime experiences, Pollo told JB how he had suffered in the trenches during the Great War without even basic protection like a gas mask. He encouraged JB to get back up and continue fighting for something bigger than himself.
How does the final game play out?
The championship day came, and JB showed up to support the boys one last time. He admitted that when he formed the team, he only wanted acceptance and respect from the white folks. But now, he realised the bigger picture — this was a chance for these boys to earn respect for their entire community.
JB Pena turned rejection into a reason to rise (Photo: Mucho Mas Media/Fifth Season, Mucho Mas Media, Bonniedale, and Jaguar Bite)Heavy rain started before the game began, and while other teams struggled in the downpour, the Mustangs stayed focused. They had practiced in all types of weather, and this gave them the advantage they needed to take the lead. When the rain cleared, Pollo quietly helped JB sneak back onto the course.
Tim Cox made one more attempt to provoke Joe into losing his temper, but Joe remembered what had happened before when he gave in to anger. He noticed JB watching from afar and chose not to react. That decision sealed their victory, and the Mustangs became state champions.
However, the celebration was cut short when the officials cancelled the award ceremony due to the rain, even though the sun had returned. The boys were disheartened, sensing they were being treated unfairly again. JB advised them to honour the game itself and carry their trophy into the clubhouse with pride.
This moment was more than a win for the Mustangs — it meant a new kind of respect for every Mexican-American who had ever been dismissed or mistreated. When the team returned home, they were greeted by a massive parade organised by the Mexican community.
Joe’s father even showed his respect by bowing to his son. Joe later moved to Austin to be with Daniela, choosing love over golf. Each member of the team went on to build meaningful lives. JB Pena continued coaching until his final days.
The Mustangs were eventually honoured in the Hall of Fame for their historic 1957 victory — a win that came from sheer resilience and bravery against all odds.
