Without doubt, my favourite golf movie is Goldfinger.
The sequence where James Bond and Auric Goldfinger club it out for a bar of Nazi bullion is full of suspense, tension, drama and wry humour.
The sequence cemented Sean Connery’s love of the game – he became obsessed with it. Fitting, then, that his son Jason, has directed the film TOMMY’S HONOUR, about a couple of sporting legends and pioneers of the multi-billion dollar industry that thrives on green fees and tees.
By rights, the story of Old Tom Morris and his son Young Tommy ought to be known the world over. Old Tom, Master greens keeper of the iconic St. Andrews Links, struck the very first ball at the inaugural Open Championship in 1860, going on to win the tournament on four occasions. His extraordinary feats were matched by teenage prodigy Young Tommy soon after – establishing the Morris family at the forefront of the emerging sport, and as the pride of their countrymen.
Based on Kevin Cook’s prize winning book of the same name, TOMMY’S HONOUR is a beautifully detailed story of ambition, class politics, and filial conflict.
Jack Lowden and Peter Mullan play the son and father respectively, with Therese Bradley as Nancy Morris, the formidable matriarch of the Morris clan.
Ophelia Lovibond plays the mature waitress, Meg, with whom young Tom becomes smitten, a relationship that threatens to hew the family in two.
One of the few non Scot thesps to grace the film is Sam Neill as Alexander Boothby, the big cheese of the Greens of St. Andrews determined to keep the status quo of forelock tweaking yokels. A glorious bastard.
Jason Connery says “I relate to TOMMY’S HONOUR in a personal way as I grew up on a golf course with my father. I really understand the relationship that Tom and Tommy have together, and their shared passion for the game as my father and I do. Then for me as a father; I have a son who is trying to make his way in the world – which I can also see in Tom & Tommy’s relationship. There’s a certain synchronicity for me with the story – especially with it being set here in Scotland.”
Certainly Scotland’s land and seascapes add mightily to the gorgeous look of the film, lovingly lensed by ace cinematographer, Gary Shaw. Special note also to Australian editor, John Scott whose cutting is in synch rhythm to to the game and the times, subtle yet concise.
Well done, Mr. Connery, TOMMY’S HONOUR gives honour to the game, it’s unsung heroes, and by way of the meticulous work, his Dad.