‘Tin Cup’ – 20 Years On No One Remembers Who Won But We All Remember Roy’s 12 At The Last.

8 years ago by Comments Off on ‘Tin Cup’ – 20 Years On No One Remembers Who Won But We All Remember Roy’s 12 At The Last.

Greensboro, N, C …. Today August 16th is the 20th anniversary of the US release of the golf theme movie ‘Tin Cup’.

Roy “Tin Cup” McAvoy, played by Kevin Costner, is a former golf prodigy who has little ambition but all thanks to Hollywood goes within one hole of capturing the U.S. Open.

At the beginning of the movie we learn Roy owns a run-down West Texas driving range, where he drinks and hangs out with his pal Romeo Posar (Cheech Marin) and their friends.

But then with the help of Dr. Molly Griswold, played by Rene Russo, a clinical psychologist and his eventual love interest, ‘Tin Cup’ eventually finds his way into the final round of the U.S. Open.

'Tin Cup' - released in the US 20 years ago today.

‘Tin Cup’ – released in the US 20 years ago today.

Then coming down the last hole ‘Tin Cup’ is in a three-way battle for the lead with David Simms, played by Don Johnson and also real-life PGA Tour player, Peter Jacobsen.

Jacobsen, among of host of PGA Tour stars in the movie including Fred Couples and Corey Pavin, finishes with a par on 18, to be tied for the lead with Roy and one shot ahead of Simms.

Simms yet again lays up at the 18th hole, playing it safe, although this takes him out of championship contention. Romeo urges that he do likewise to save par and force a playoff but, urged by Molly to “go for it”, he takes his fateful shot. It reaches the green, but then “a little gust from the gods”—a sudden contrary wind—starts his ball rolling back, downhill into the pond.

Reminiscent of his blow-up back in college when he failed to qualify for the Tour, Roy tries repeatedly to hit the same shot, with the same heart-breaking result. In the end Roy risks not only humiliation but also disqualification for running out of balls.

But he still goes for the green, and on his 12th shot, his last ball clears the water—and slowly rolls into the hole.

After a wild celebration, Roy finally realises what he has done and feels ashamed, but Molly assures him, “Five years from now nobody will remember who won or lost, but they’re gonna remember your 12!”

Twenty years on the golf world still can’t remember who won this U.S. Open!

There is the scenes earlier in the event, and at Molly’s suggestion, when Roy wins another wager with Simms, the leader after the first round. Then with renewed confidence, “Tin Cup”, a nobody from nowhere, shocks the golf world with a remarkable second round of 62, making the cut. His third round is also excellent and moves him into contention. But on all three rounds, he refuses to lay up on the par-5 18th hole, hitting the ball into the pond.

The movie, directed by Ron Shelton, ends back in Texas with Molly informing Roy because he finished in the top 15, he automatically qualifies for next year’s Open. Molly further suggests that Roy go back to the qualifying school and get on the PGA Tour.

Molly, who gained several clients at the tournament, prepares for a career of helping players with the mental portion of the game. They kiss passionately as the movie ends.

The real life story is that ‘Tin Cup’ was made with a budget of $45m and has since grossed $75m to make it the highest grossing golf movie of all time.

* Thanks to wikipedia for the background information.



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