A golf drama based on the true story of the 1913 US Open, where 20-year-old Francis Ouimet defeated his idol, 1900 US Open champion, Englishman, Harry Vardon.
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Near the turn of the 20th century, young Harry Vardon becomes a champion golfer but learns that his amazing skill is no match for the class boundaries that exclude him from "gentlemanly" English society. A dozen years later, a young American, Francis Ouimet, fights against the same prejudice, as well as his own father's disdain, for a chance to participate in the U.S. Open against his idol - Harry Vardon. The struggles of both men for acceptance provides the background for an amazing contest of skills.
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Notably Quotes
Eddie Lowery: You need this for 72. Read it, roll it, hole it.
Eddie Lowery: Easy peasy lemon squeasy.
Eddie Lowery: Okie Dokie Private Smokey.
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Harry Vardon: [to Lord Northcliff] Let me tell you something. I came here to win a trophy. And on the face of it Ted Ray or I should carry it off. Not for you, not for England, but for sheer bloody pride at being the best, that's why we do this. And if Mr. Ouimet wins tomorrow, it's because he's the best, because of who he is. Not who his father was, not how much money he's got, because of who he bloody is! And I'll thank you to remember that. And I'll thank you to show the respect a gentleman gives as a matter of course.
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Eddie Lowery: You gotta' settle down Francis.
Francis Ouimet: Yeah, & how do you expect to do that?
Eddie Lowery: [looking at Francis] You just havetuh play better. [backing up]
Eddie Lowery: Keep your head down!
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Francis Ouimet: All I want is a chance.
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Most powerful phrase
There are 2 kinds of golfers: Those who keep his nerve & win championships, & those who don't.
- Harry Vardon
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Facts
Harry Vardon won six Open Championships, a record that still stands today.
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Francis Ouimet (1893 - 1967) won the 1913 U.S. Open. He also won the U.S. Amateur Championship twice, in 1914 & 1931. He played on the first eight Walker Cup Teams & was Captain of the next four for a team record of 11-1. In 1951 he became the first American elected Captain of the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews & in 1955 was the first-ever winner of the Bob Jones Award, the highest honor given by the United States Golf Association in recognition of distinguished sportsmanship in golf. Ouimet has been named to every Golf Hall of Fame, & has a room named after him in the USGA Museum. He remained an amateur for his entire golf career.
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Eddie Lowery (1903 – 1984) was an American caddy, amateur golfer & businessman. He is best known as the 10-year-old caddy of Francis Ouimet during the 1913 U.S. Open. He became a multi-millionaire as an auto dealer in San Francisco.
Lowery & Ouimet remained life-long friends & when Ouimet died in 1967, Lowery was one of the pall-bearers.
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Key Lesson
A major theme that runs throughout the movie is friendship. When the Open committee members suggested to replace Eddie with a more experienced caddy, Ouimet objected, turned to Eddie & said, "It's between you & me. We are a team. They don't get a vote in this." With this words, Eddie & Francis raced off to take the championship.
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In life, we all need a friend & buddy, or be one, just as Eddie is to Francis. This "caddy" principle carries our burden, sharpen our perspectives, provide guidance to us in the golf course of life, & keep our nerve together when we are under pressures. Looking back, I am thankful I have quite a few of these "caddies" in my life. Up till now, I have been a beneficiary of their love & friendship. I hope I am one to many others too.
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Together, let's hit some birdies & eagles!!!
