 The scene at the end of the movie where Kevin Costner hits the shot  into the water hazard again and again was based on an actual event.  Gary McCord the commentator with the handlebar mustache in the movie  is an actual commentator and former pro. In a tournament he had a  similar shot to Costners. He needed a birdie to win and went for  it. He shot over and over again and finally got it in 15 strokes. In  the movie Costner gets it in 12.