One real - life element could be the setting which might be inspired by actual golf courses or regions. Another might be the general concept of a golfer struggling with his game and then finding a way to improve, which is a common experience in the real golfing world.
Well, the idea of a mentor figure like Bagger Vance could be based on real - life coaches or experienced players who have guided others. Also, the competitive nature of golf tournaments in the story might be reflective of real - life competitions. The social and cultural context of the time in which the story is set, such as the class differences among the players, could also be drawn from real - life situations.