With scant knowledge of or interest in golf and no notion at all of the Morris father and son partnership, this film was not an obvious viewing choice. However, Mullan and Neill were a draw-card enough and so I found myself whisked up to the wilds and links of Scotland. Beautiful scenery, a social interest story of class, and a creeping disapproval of the unkindness of some religious attitudes drew me in. The central performances of Lowden and Lovibond illuminate the piece, and create the emotional heft. Even with no engagement with golf, it's impossible not to care about the fortunes of this young couple. Watch it with an Open mind and heart.

(Flash Review)

If you are not a golf fan now, this film won't win over new fans from viewing this. It doesn't focus on why golf caught on or how its appreciation truly grew. Rather if focuses on the man who shepherded into wider popularity in the 1860's, Tom Morris, while his son, Tommy Morris, became a multiple early Open Champion. For me, too many scenes revolve around father and son as well as early golf country members as they all squabble about social classes and how big a slice of the purse the winning golfer should get compared to the tournament organizers. I wish they could have better intertwined into the story more interesting historical golf factoids of the early game of golf. I didn't connect with any of the characters as they were far from warm so when strife hit them my emotional reaction was minimal. It was moderately interesting as it was shot very professionally but I wish the script had adjusted its focus better for my interests as the core drama was of marginal intrigue.

Surprised that I enjoyed this film a lot, as was not expecting the story to be enthralling as it was.

Based on the true story of the father and son who basically founded the professional game of golf enjoyed by millions today.

Peter Mullan as always gives a good performance, but the real star is Jack Lowden as the son. His star is ascending