John Richardson's best-selling golf book 'Dream On' is being made into a film. Dave Tindall finds out more.
John Richardson's best-selling golf book 'Dream On' is being made into a film. Dave Tindall finds out more
In 2009, 'Dream On' caught the public's imagination so much that it shot to number one in the Amazon sports book charts.
John Richardson, a hacker who couldn't break 100, had set himself the slightly ludicrous goal of playing a level par round within a year.
So tough was John's challenge that, on hearing about his crazy mission, Sam Torrance told him to 'dream on' (hence the title of the book). But, unperturbed, John set about his task with manic determination and the story of his rollercoaster journey is both funny and inspirational.
Those who read the book quickly realised that it would also make a cracking film and rumours soon spread that it would hit the big screen.
I was lucky enough to meet John at the 2009 Open in Turnberry where he gave me a copy of the book and and the following year I flew to Northern Ireland to play a round of golf with him at the venue, Blackwood, where he had carried out his challenge.
His tour included a trip to the range where a young Rory McIlroy had honed his glorious swing, one that John had watched to help him on his mission.
When I asked John back then whether the film rumours were true, he replied: "Yes! And, of course, that's incredibly exciting. Whether it comes off or not I don't know but I've been told that there's a very good chance that it will.
"I don't think anyone writes a book without at some stage having their imagination and ego grasping them and, probably after a few drinks, thinking 'this would make a great film'.
"And I'd be lying if I hadn't thought that this would make a great film! So, we'll see. I discovered the hard way how long publishing takes and the frustrations involved (it took four years for the book to hit the shelves) so I can't see how the film world wouldn't be the same."
Well, after reading some of John's recent tweets it appears that day is ever closer.
I got back in touch last week to find out more.
Sky Sports: The million dollar question. Will 'Dream On' the movie be hitting the big screen in 2012?
John Richardson: What I can say for certain is that the film will be shot this year. It's currently in pre-production at Elstree studios and will be delivered by October 2012. It's likely to then be ready for the cinemas some time in 2013.
Sky Sports: Has it been cast yet? Back in 2009, you said you would be happy to be played by Brad Pitt - although not as happy as your wife as long as she could play herself!
JR: We're still talking to a number of names and I haven't been fully cast yet. A crucial factor is that whoever plays me needs to be recognisable on a world-wide basis so it has to be a big name. Golf is such a huge global sport now that it's not just about getting a name that is known in Britain or the US - it's much broader. I'd love to give you some of the names that are in the frame but I'm afraid you'll have to be a little bit more patient. I can, however, categorically confirm that it won't be a resurrection of Frank Carson's career - despite the pleadings from several of my friends.
Sky Sports: Can you tell us if any golfers will be making cameo appearances?
JR: We should be able to get a number of golfers with cameo roles without making it too much of a celebrity spotting crusade. We're still hoping to get Sam Torrance obviously because he plays a
