The Greatest Game Ever Played

In 1879, a young boy named Harry Vardon witnesses affluent gentlemen examining land near his home with aspirations of constructing a golf course. This early encounter ignites Harry's lifelong passion for the sport.

In 1900, a 7-year-old Francis Ouimet is captivated by a golf exhibition featuring the legendary Harry Vardon. During the event in Boston, he seizes the chance to volunteer and receives crucial advice on his golf grip from Vardon himself.

Back in England, Harry Vardon receives an invitation from Lord Northcliffe to join the Gentleman's Golf Club, marking a significant honor for someone from a working-class background. However, he soon realizes that the invitation comes with conditions that exploit his labor.

As Francis Ouimet starts his journey in golf, he becomes a caddie at The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts. He spends countless hours honing his skills and building a personal club collection, which eventually leads him to win the Massachusetts Schoolboy Championship.

Francis faces considerable opposition from his father, Arthur, who disapproves of golf and pressures him to pursue a more traditional job. Despite the tension, Francis's passion for the sport grows stronger, leading him to seek ways to continue playing.

To play in the U.S. Amateur tournament, Francis needs to secure a sponsor and the $50 entry fee. He strikes a deal with his father, pledging to abandon golf if he fails to qualify, raising the stakes for his performance.

Prior to the qualifying round for the U.S. Amateur, Francis impressively defends Sarah Willis from Phillip Wainwright's advances at a club dinner. This encounter builds his confidence as he prepares for the upcoming tournament.

During the qualifying round, Francis faces a critical moment with a three-foot putt that he misses under the watchful eyes of his father. The pressure of family expectations weighs heavily on him as he grapples with this disappointment.

Tasked by the British Golf Association, Harry Vardon leads a campaign to uphold British supremacy in the golf world, aiming to win the U.S. Open. He chooses an assistant from the working class, defying the expectations of wealthier club members.

At 20 years old, Francis receives a surprising invitation to the U.S. Open from the president of the United States Golf Association. He impressively showcases his skills by stringing together six consecutive birdies, proving his talent on the course.

As the U.S. Open approaches, Francis must find suitable accommodation after the tournament and relies heavily on his mother's unwavering support. This demonstrates the significant role his family plays in his journey.

At The Country Club, Francis competes against renowned British golfers like Harry Vardon and Ted Ray in a highly charged environment. The expectations are that one of the seasoned golfers must win to maintain British dominance in the sport.

During a thrilling playoff, Francis finds himself closely competing with Vardon and Ray. As he leads by a stroke entering the final hole, the tension escalates, testing his nerves and determination to secure victory.

Francis sinks the decisive putt during the final hole of the U.S. Open, claiming his historic victory. The moment is made even more poignant when he graciously accepts only one bill from his father, symbolizing their emotional connection.

Following the tournament, Vardon congratulates Francis, highlighting his respect for the young golfer's achievement. As both players move forward in their careers, they maintain a friendship rooted in mutual respect and shared experiences on the course.