We are part of a world where attention spans are dwindling beyond expectations and storytellers are keen on finding new ways to interact with their audiences. Social media, online streaming platforms, TV, and internet marketing – what should be the ideal channel to share historically significant, industry-changing, and innovative information?
While the answer lies somewhere in a blend of multi-media channels, documentaries have also played a crucial role in educating audiences and raising awareness about subjects. Why do we say documentaries and not movies? Well, movies are most often associated with fiction and fantasy-filled narratives. On the other hand, documentaries are nearly always supported with facts, scientific evidence, and historical data.
So, what use could be documentaries in the world of sports? Todd Graves, a highly respected professional golfer, author, and business leader, is in the process of finalizing and releasing his documentary about Murray “Moe” Norman, the legendary world-renowned golfer. Graves learned and practiced golf directly under the mentorship of Moe Norman, who was at the time one of the most famous pro golfers with innovative techniques set to change the sport for good.
Through his documentary, Todd Graves aims to highlight the use of the single-plane swing technique. It was a technique perfected by Moe Norman over his professional career and earned him the nickname “Pipeline Moe”. Norman developed the single-plane swing and emphasized its practice in Golfing due to its physical benefits. Moreover, the technique was praised by worldwide golfers for putting less strain on the lower back and arm joints.
Todd Graves has nearly 50 years of experience as a pro golfer and has participated in Asian and Canadian golf tours. He was the protégé of Moe Norman and that significantly impacted his influence in the world of sports. After practicing golf for decades, he turned to the role of motivator, instructor, educator, and lecturer, especially in the sports world. He guided young athletes and worked with sports scientists to acquire factual evidence regarding golf and its impact on overall physical health.
From a golfer to a documentarian, the journey of Todd Graves is an inspirational one. Throughout his career, he emphasized the need for change and innovation in sports. The single-plane swing technique was his device for innovation and pushing boundaries in Golf. With the knowledge bestowed upon him by his late mentor, Moe Norman, he decided to oversimplify the golfing techniques for a wider audience.
Graves partnered with Barry Morrow, an American film producer, and screenwriter who co-wrote the screenplay for four-time Oscar-winning Rain Main starring Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman, to produce a documentary about Moe Norman’s “Feeling of Greatness”. The documentary will tell the tale of Norman’s journey through the golf community, his interactions with fellow golfers, and his participation in national and international golfing events around the world.
As a documentarian, Todd Graves has a unique passion for visual storytelling. He used decades of experience as a golfer and extensive research about the sport to provide factually correct information and accurate descriptions of his interactions and life achievements of Moe Norman. Now, Todd Graves is revered for his diverse role as a pro golfer, lecturer, instructor, athlete motivator, author, and business leader.
