TOMMY’S HONOUR – Review

Jack Lowden stars as Tommy Morris in TOMMY’S HONOUR. Photo by Neil Davidson (c). Courtesy of Roadside Attractions.

TOMMY’S HONOUR focuses on the mid-19th century founding of modern golf by a Scottish father and son, but it is as much about the British class system and a family as it is about golf.

This well-acted, authentically-detailed historical film spotlights Old Tom and Young Tom Morris, the working-class father and son who both founded the modern game and popularized it in the mid-19th century. Greens keeper and course pro at St. Andrews, Tom Morris Sr. did not invent the sport but he did much to mold it into its present form, making clubs and balls in the golf shop he owned and later designing golf courses. “Old Tom” was a talented player who established the first championship and won many bets for his aristocratic backers, but his skill was exceeded by his gifted son “Young Tom” or Tommy, who as the first pro player helped popularize golf outside Scotland.

This drama is about pro rather than amateur, and respect for talent regardless of class. In the 1860s, the British class system is in full force, and both aristocrats and even some ordinary people are determined to keep it that way. That reality sets up the first conflict between father and son.

(l-r) Jack Lowden as Tom Morris Jr. and Peter Mullen as Tom Morris Sr., in TOMMY’s HONOUR. Photo by Neil Davidson (c). Courtesy of Roadside Attractions.

There is something delightfully ironic that golf, a game that still embraces its aristocratic aura, had its modern roots with a working-class father and son. Golf fans should revel in this film, with its faithful re-creation of golf historic details, but this well-made drama has something to offer the non-sports fan as well. Broadly based on true events, the film focuses on the human drama, particularly the relationship between father and son, as well as the history, and adds an element of romance in when Tommy falls in love.

Fittingly, TOMMY’S HONOUR was filmed in Scotland with a largely Scottish cast. The director is another Scot, Jason Connery, who grew up playing golf with his father, actor Sean Connery. While that adds to the film’s authenticity, the downside for American audiences is navigating sometimes thick Scottish accents.

Old Tom Morris (Peter Mullen) is distraught with fear and angry when his teen-aged son Tommy (Jack Lowden) defies the class divide, and his father’s wishes, to pursue his dream of playing pro. Tommy’s decision puts him in opposition to the ruling class, largely represented by Sam Neill as Captain Alexander Boothby, who are not at all happy at the idea of this working-class upstart upsetting the established order in their world, demanding to be paid upfront and organizing his own golf tours without depending on an aristocratic employer. Tommy and his parents clash over, as they clash over the son’s defiance of the class system rules. adds an element of romance when Tommy falls in love with Meg (Ophelia Lovibond), a woman his parents fund unsuitable.

Both father and son contributed innovations to the game. As we learn in the film, Old Tom was a pioneer in golf, the master greens keeper of the iconic St. Andrews golf course who hit the first ball at the inaugural Open Championship in 1860, as well as the winner of that tournament multiple times. But as good a golfer as Old Tom was, his teen-aged son was better. Tommy’s gifts as a golfer brought him fame and fortune, but also spread interest in the game beyond Scotland and transformed him into a star. Despite Tommy’s success, resentment remains among the ruling class over this upstart, and personal tragedy haunts the family.

The film is packed with beautifully photography, taking full advantage of the glorious Scottish landscape and filling it with lush period costumes and sets. This handsome film sports a handsome cast as well, particularly Lowden and Lovibond as the young couple. The acting is excellent on all counts, as much a source of enjoyment as the careful period elements and the gorgeous locales.

Tommy’s clash with the aristocrats over his pay and independence echos contemporary sports, in the conflicts between modern team owners and players. Fans of golf history will relish the period details, with old golf clubs, golf ball production and even style of swing re-created. Naturally, producer Jim Kreutzer wanted to shoot at the legendary St. Andrews, but the modern course is too changed from past appearance. There were no lawnmowers in the 1860s and the carpet-like green of modern course little resemble the rougher grass of early courses. Faced with that dilemma and wanting to make the film as authentic as possible, the filmmakers instead re-created the original club house and course. Interesting historical details on caddying, the invention of the golf bag and more are included, but never overshadow the dramatic focus.

While the film does still follow the usual sports film arc of struggle and triumph, the human story behind the invention of modern golf and strong acting performances compensate.

Both golf fans and non-fans will find much to like in TOMMY’S HONOUR. The film will play St. Louis at both Plaza Frontenac and the Chase Park Plaza Cinemas starting Friday, April 14, 2017.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars