Logline - at a glance

based on a true story

In the high-stakes world of professional golf, determined young amateur, Francis Ouimet, faces insurmountable odds when he can't afford a caddie for the prestigious US Open. With no other option, he enlists local boy Jack Lowery, at the behest of Jack’s younger brother Eddie. When Jack is caught up with a Truancy Officer, however, Eddie must decide if he alone will continue what his brother set out to do.

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The Story...

It’s the start of a new school year in 1913 and the Lowery family are busy as usual. One morning

brothers Jack (12) and Eddie (10) are excited when the local newspaper says international golf

pro sensations Henry Vardon and Ted Ray are traveling from England to play in the US Open this

week. They are quickly warned by their mother about skipping school to see the tournament, but

upon leaving the house the boys decide to do it anyway.

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When they arrive at The Country Club they run into Francis Ouimet, a local carpenter’s son who

has qualified for the Open, despite being a 20-year-old amateur. He tells the boys he can’t afford to

hire a caddie. Eddie quickly volunteers his older brother Jack for the job, and the boys agree to

skip school again the next day so Jack can carry Francis’ bag.

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Despite some cold feet from Jack, the next day the boys do as they said and skip school. On their

way they are spotted and pursued by a Truancy Officer. Jack is caught but Eddie gets away, in

part due to his smaller size as he’s two years younger than Jack. Without hesitation Eddie

continues the journey to The Country Club where the tournament is being held. He makes it across

town on his own, arriving at the practice green with moments to spare.

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Personal Statement from Writer / Director Em Wood

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Growing up, my dad often talked about one of his first jobs as a golf caddie. As a kid, I thought golf looked boring, but my relationship with him wasn’t always easy. So, the summer before high school, I decided to follow in his footsteps and become a caddie at the club where he used to work. It was a culture shock—being the only girl among fifty boys—but I eventually found my place and became well-liked around the course.

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The head pro, Bob Green, who had been Caddie Master during my dad’s time, later offered me a position working payroll in the Pro Shop, and I jumped at the chance (hello, air conditioning!). As an upperclassman, Bob encouraged me to apply for the Ouimet Fund Scholarship, available to kids in the golf industry. Preparing for the application required learning about Francis Ouimet, a name I’d never heard before. What started as surface-level research quickly turned into fascination.

 

I was particularly struck by Eddie Lowery’s story during the 1913 U.S. Open. His determination as a 10-year-old caddie—walking miles on his own to get to The Country Club and stepping into such a high-pressure role—was remarkable. It reminded me of my own formative experiences in the golf world and the bond between a caddie and their golfer.

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Eddie’s ability to seize a moment of opportunity has always stayed with me. His story is about so much more than golf; it’s about perseverance, quick thinking, and making the most of life’s pivotal moments—something I strive to reflect in my work as a filmmaker.

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