Tin Cup 1996

In the dusty, rundown town of Salome, West Texas, Roy “Tin Cup” McAvoy (Kevin Costner) dwells in a perpetual state of disillusionment, his once-promising career as a professional golfer reduced to managing a dilapidated driving range alongside his trusty sidekick and caddy, Romeo (Cheech Marin). To make ends meet, Roy signs over the ownership of the range to the enigmatic Madam Doreen (Linda Hart), proprietor of a local “show girls” establishment, in a desperate bid to settle his mounting debts.

The seeds of Roy’s downfall were sown during the PGA Tour Qualifying Tournament, where he opted for a high-risk shot in the final round instead of playing it safe, ultimately losing his chance at professional stardom by a single stroke. The memory of that missed opportunity still lingers, a constant reminder of what could have been.

As Roy struggles to find his footing, a new challenge emerges in the form of Dr. Molly Griswold (Rene Russo), a novice golfer with a flair for the dramatic and a passion for the game. Despite their vastly different backgrounds and personalities, Molly finds herself drawn to Roy’s unorthodox teaching methods and his infectious enthusiasm. Her boyfriend, David Simms (Don Johnson), a smooth-talking PGA superstar, is initially skeptical of Roy’s unconventional approach but eventually warms up to his charms.

However, as the stakes rise and the tournament draws near, Roy’s personal demons begin to resurface. The prospect of caddying for Simms in a high-stakes charity event becomes too enticing to resist, despite Simms’ paltry offer of $100 and 5% of his earnings. Roy sees this as an opportunity to recoup some of the losses he’s incurred by signing over his beloved driving range.

As the big day approaches, tensions simmer just below the surface. Roy’s rivalry with Simms reaches a boiling point when he’s asked to take a risk-laden shot that Simms had been hesitant to attempt himself. In a moment of triumph, Roy seizes the opportunity and nails the shot, only to be fired by Simms for his impertinence.

The consequences of Roy’s actions are dire: he finds himself deeper in debt than ever before, with a staggering $2,000 still owed on top of the initial $12,000. The driving range, once a symbol of his independence and autonomy, is now nothing more than a pawn to be used and discarded. As the reality of his situation sets in, Roy must confront the harsh realities of his own failures and face the uncertain future that lies ahead.

As Roy’s revelation about Molly’s connection to Simms sets in, he concocts a plan to win the US Open and impress her, hoping to win her back. This endeavor begins with a low-stakes gamble on the course, using unorthodox tools to emerge victorious and secure the funds needed to reclaim his golf set.

Molly, a therapist by profession, becomes an unwitting confidant as Roy seeks her counsel on his strategy to win her heart. He wistfully describes another romantic interest, prompting Molly to encourage him to take a chance and invite this mystery woman out for dinner. Emboldened, Roy confesses his feelings to Molly, only to be met with shock and the unyielding stance that her professional boundaries cannot be breached.

Despite this, Molly agrees to provide guidance as Roy works to qualify for the Open, but not before he shares a damning assessment of Simms: a man consumed by negativity who takes pleasure in belittling others. This characterization only serves to further solidify Molly’s resolve against pursuing a romantic relationship with Roy.

As the qualifiers unfold, Roy’s competitive streak begins to take center stage, leading him to make reckless decisions that prioritize personal pride over actual performance. His refusal to heed caution and opt for a safer route sparks tension with Romeo, who ultimately refuses to permit Roy to take an ill-advised shot. The ensuing tantrum culminates in the destruction of all his golf clubs, forcing Roy to complete the remaining holes with nothing but his trusty 7-iron. Miraculously, he still manages to qualify for the sectionals.

In a separate display of competitive fervor, Roy loses his vehicle after engaging Simms in an ill-fated contest to hit the ball the farthest – a feat Simms accomplishes by launching the ball onto the road. Undeterred, Roy reiterates his assessment of Simms’ true nature: a man who reserves his cruelty for the most vulnerable members of society.

Roy’s determination to win Molly’s heart never wavers, and he ultimately asks her to join him at the Open, only to be rebuffed once more. With Romeo as his unlikely caddy, Roy sets his sights on the championship, but not before acknowledging that his swing has developed a mysterious flaw – an issue he attributes to Molly herself.

As opening day of the US Open arrives, Roy finds himself overcome with nerves at the driving range, where Romeo’s sage advice helps him focus solely on the task at hand and silence the whispers of self-doubt.

As the tournament unfolds, Roy’s inaugural day at the open proves to be a crushing defeat, plagued by the lingering effects of Shanks as every swing falls woefully short. Meanwhile, Simms (character) flaunts his dominance, boasting an impressive 67 while Roy struggles to muster an 83. It isn’t until Molly bears witness to Simms’ true nature when the cameras aren’t rolling that she begins to see through his facade and ultimately dumps him. In a stunning turn of events, she finds solace in Roy’s company, rekindling their romance.

However, before casting aside her former beau, Molly exacts a form of revenge by compelling Simms to settle a wager, one that requires Roy to perform an seemingly impossible feat: sinking a shot from within a bar, over a fence, across a river, and onto a pier, sending a pelican flying off its perch. Roy’s incredible display sets the tone for his subsequent days at the tournament.

As the competition reaches its climax, Roy finds himself tied with Simms at 7 under par, having narrowly avoided elimination on the 18th hole by taking an eagle shot chance and then recovering from a mistake to make par. The stakes are higher than ever as he is paired with Simms for the final round, with his opponent relentlessly challenging him to take increasingly difficult shots. Roy obliges, sacrificing his lead in the process.

In a thrilling conclusion, Roy finds himself in a three-way tie for the top spot on the 18th hole, forced to recreate the same shot that had eluded him earlier. With an unwavering determination, he takes the shot 12 times from the same spot before finally executing it flawlessly. Though he ultimately loses the US Open, his perseverance earns him a standing ovation and cements his place in golfing history.

As Roy’s legend grows, Molly proudly reveals that he has automatically qualified for next year’s Open, ensuring his return to the spotlight.