Aside from watching rugby games, particularly the games of our very own rugby team, I am also a big fan of movies. Real life situation movies, comedy, science fiction, sports, etc. are the particular genres that I am really into. Mentioning the sports, on top of my list are The Replacements, Goal!, and The Greatest Game Ever Played. Since I just recently watched the last for the nth time, I want to share the outline of the story for you to find out why I love the movie and why you should love it too.
The Greatest Game Ever Played is a game of golf and is based on a true story. Set mainly in 1913, the film is about Francis Ouimet, the first amateur to win a U.S. Open. This young American was born with nothing except a dream. Francis is a caddie at The Golf Club. He was given no opportunities to play because of his job, social status, and the belief that golf is a sport of the wealthy. But because of his talent, composure, and good manners shown, Francis gets the chance to play in an upcoming tournament, the U.S. Amateur, the local qualifying for which is to be held at the country club course, with the help of Mr. Hastings and The Golf Club’s caddie master. However, Arthur Ouimet, father of Francis, is against his decision and dare him that if he did not qualify, he will quit golf and will get a real job. Unfortunately, Francis did not qualify the championship proper. Francis almost forgotten golf after several years passed. But one day, the president of the United States Golf Association enters the store where Francis is working and personally invites him to play in the upcoming U.S. Open. After some maneuvering and consideration from his employer, he secures entry. His father informs him that he must find his own place to live after the tournament in which Francis agrees. However, his mother has been supportive of his golf from the start. Francis competes in the 1913 U.S. Open that takes place at The Country Club. Against all odds, with ten-year-old Eddie Lowery to caddie for him, he manages to beat the British champions and world’s best golfers Harry Vardon and Ted Ray and becomes the first amateur to ever win the U.S. Open. His extraordinary feat even wins over his father.
The Greatest Game Ever Played (2005) Trailer
I am not a golf fan but I find the movie absorbing. The movie has a great inspirational story about grit, determination, and desire to do what you love. The movie portrays the true spirit of golf or for that matter any game. It shows the value of perseverance and resilience that any person, not just athletes and sports enthusiasts, must have to succeed in life.