Costner's Apex is Dances with Wolves, Marin's earlier comedy or later family-film career is debated, and Johnson's is Miami Vice. — Bill Simmons
Not laying up is floated as Apex; West Texas is redirected to Friday Night Lights, Russo is uncertain against other hits, and Peter Jacobsen and the CBS crew in movies receive affirmative answers. — Bill Simmons
Caddyshack is the golf-film peak despite Tin Cup's authenticity; Waffle House and the U.S. Open do not receive secure affirmative peaks.
Armadillos, the seven-iron and Nantz specifically in movies receive support; Nantz's overall career and partnership with Venturi peaked elsewhere. — Bill Simmons
Unexpected sports-movie losses are proposed for comparison; Rocky is preferred, its result corrected from a draw, while Friday Night Lights offers a strong surprise.
Mid-1990s CBS golf coverage lends authenticity, although CBS did not cover the real U.S. Open; booth access strengthens the final hour.
Nantz, Mickelson gambling, the shanks and forward-looking sports psychology are aged-best selections. — Bill Simmons
Molly's professional competence is questioned after the meltdown, then defended because she initially recommends laying up.
Let the big dog eat remains influential; origins of grip it and rip it and the doctor riddle are questioned rather than securely established.
Broadcast production, leather golf bags, pawnshops, strip clubs, water on the eighteenth, Cheech as sidekick, Jimmy Roberts, West Texas and enduring Tin Cup jokes are praised. — Bill Simmons
Johnson and Marin's later Nash Bridges partnership is noted. — Bill Simmons
Molly's first lesson establishes chemistry, the swing philosophy and unanswered questions about her appearance and arrival.
The first lesson conveys a believable golf obsessive through philosophical dialogue. — Bill Simmons
Caddying for Sims introduces the lay-up conflict and enjoyable professional cameos; Mickelson gambling has aged especially well. — Bill Simmons
Qualifying with a seven-iron after breaking the other clubs is admired; a hybrid is offered as an alternative single-club choice.
Sims's road-shot trick seems like an ingenious protagonist move rather than villain behavior. — Bill Simmons
The pelican shot is enjoyed; shooting 62 is preferred, with praise for Jim Nantz's unchanged voice.
The wide shot of the long tenth-hole putt is praised for showing the entire tournament setting; golf permits repeat filming without complex resets. — Craig Horlbeck
Russo's physical reactions, the broadcasters' astonishment and spectators entering the lake make the finale work; the twelve would remain memorable. — Bill Simmons
Nice par, David can mean the golf score or a romantic double entendre; Sims's actual finish is not shown. — Craig Horlbeck
The unconventional ending is preferred to an ordinary winning finish, especially on repeat viewing.
The opening lesson is the scene preference because it establishes character and golf poetry.
The U.S. Open hour is another preference, especially the opening shanks; helicopter footage is corrected from drone footage. — Craig Horlbeck
The 62 and final forty minutes are preferred, excluding the unnecessary final five. — Bill Simmons
