Tin Cup, released in theaters on August 16, 1996, directed by Ron Shelton, is a charming and unconventional romantic comedy that also serves as a genuine love letter to the sport of golf. The film introduces us to Roy “Tin Cup” McAvoy (Kevin Costner), a washed-up, brilliant golf pro living on the fringes of society in rural Texas.
McAvoy runs a rundown driving range and has a stubborn, “all-or-nothing” attitude that has kept him from success. His life changes when Dr. Molly Griswold (Rene Russo), a beautiful psychologist, comes to him for golf lessons.
Their relationship is complicated by the fact that Molly is the girlfriend of Roy’s arch-rival, David Simms (Don Johnson), a slick and successful professional golfer.
With encouragement from his caddie and best friend, Romeo Posar (Cheech Marin) and friends like Earl (Rex Linn) and the perpetually supportive Tiny (Dennis Burkley), Roy decides to get his act together. He sets his sights on qualifying for the U.S. Open, not just to prove himself, but to win Molly’s heart.
His journey is filled with hilarious failures and flashes of pure brilliance, all driven by his refusal to play it safe.
Tin Cup is at its best when it blends the serious, emotional core of the romance with the lighthearted absurdity of the golf world.
Costner delivers a relaxed and endearing performance, perfectly capturing the flawed but lovable rogue. His chemistry with Russo is electric and makes their unconventional romance believable.
Johnson is the perfect rival and Marin provides a hilarious and heartfelt performance as Roy’s loyal friend.
Pro golfers Fred Couples, Phil Mickelson, Craig Stadler, John Cook, Lee Janzen, Corey Pavin, Peter Jacobsen and Johnny Miller all have cameos as themselves.
Broadcasters Jim Nantz, Ken Venturi, Gary McCord, Ben Wright, Peter Kostis, Jimmy Roberts and Brian Hammonds all appear as themselves.
Kevin Costner and Don Johnson in Tin Cup (Photo/Warner Bros.)
Reception for Tin Cup
Tin Cup grossed $10.1 million on its opening weekend, finishing No. 1 at the box office.
The film would gross $75.8 million worldwide.
Roger Ebert gave the film three out of four stars in his review.
Lasting Legacy
The legacy of Tin Cup is its place as a rare and successful blend of sports drama and romantic comedy.
It’s not just a golf movie; it’s a film about accepting yourself, taking risks, and the beauty of chasing a dream, no matter how foolish it might seem.
The movie’s iconic final scene, where Roy tries to hit the perfect shot over and over again, has become a classic moment in cinematic history and cemented its reputation as a feel-good film that continues to inspire and entertain audiences.
