From the Rough

Starks meets her new boss Kendrick Paulsen as the school announces a men's golf program. Paulsen reveals the program will have limited funding, setting clear budget constraints. She volunteers to coach the team and vows to prove that a brand-new sport can succeed at TSU.

Budget constraints force tough decisions; the school funds are sparse and scholarships are hard to secure. Starks outlines fundraising goals and works to secure the necessary resources to recruit and retain players.

Starks initially considers African-American golfers but the pool is small. To strengthen the program's diversity and reach, she shifts strategy to international recruitment, intending to bring in players from around the world.

Craig becomes the core of the team, a talented former caddy with an underdog story. To build a diverse roster, Starks adds four international recruits: Edward from London, Ji-Kyung from South Korea, Cameron from Australia, and Bassam from Algeria.

Training begins with high hopes but quickly exposes cultural and temperamental clashes. Edward and Ji-Kyung mock the idea of a golf team led by a coach with no golf background; Bassam's volatile temper and Craig's waning confidence create tension.

The team enters a series of early tournaments and performs poorly, finishing last in each event. The losses highlight the need for better unity, practice, and trust, and Starks uses the setback to refocus on the upcoming Minority Championships.

Starks deepens connections with each member by sharing her own life decisions about love, education, and career. She hosts the team for dinner at her home, revealing that she has lost her job but remains determined to help them succeed.

The athletics board becomes divided; Paulsen insists on maintaining control and ultimately fires Starks after a heated confrontation about progress and hidden costs.

Roger, a janitor and former football teammate, intervenes with perspective about earned respect. His words prompt a re-evaluation of leadership and help steady the program's future.

Craig anchors the team at the Minority Championships but is bullied by a rival in the first round. The team rallies around him, drawing on their growing cohesion.

A critical misstep at dinner—Cameron's severe shellfish allergy—forces him to withdraw from further competition. The remaining four athletes regroup and push forward together.

Edward uses a distraction technique learned from Cameron to disrupt the rival, causing a missed crucial putt. The team seizes the moment to improve their standing.

In a display of improved coordination and tenacity, the ensemble secures first place at the Minority Championships. Paulsen yields grudging respect and Starks is retained as coach.