‘Stick’: The First TV Golf Sitcom Hits Most of Its Marks

With a single exception, this new Apple TV series is an engaging sports crowd-pleaser.
‘Stick’: The First TV Golf Sitcom Hits Most of Its Marks
Pryce “Stick” Cahill (Owen Wilson, L) wants to coach golf teen phenom Santi Wheeler (Peter Dager), in "Stick." Apple TV+
Michael Clark
Updated:
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TV-MA | 10 episodes | Comedy, Drama, Sports | 2025

Having grown up with golf (my dad was a pro golfer), I’m particularly drawn to films about the sport. There haven’t been many of them, and, of those, only a few are very good. There’s “Tin Cup” (1996), “Caddyshack” (1980), and “The Greatest Game Ever Played” (2005). That’s pretty much it. Adam Sandler’s “Happy Gilmore” (1996) has a big cult following, but I didn’t care for it as I don’t care much for Sandler in general.

There has never been a live-action golf-related TV series. For that reason alone, the new Apple TV+ show “Stick” deserves high marks for daring and originality.

The basic premise borrows a bit from “Tin Cup.” Many years ago, Pryce “Stick” Cahill (Owen Wilson) was ranked No. 8 in the world and seemed destined for a career rivaling that of Tiger Woods or Phil Mickelson. On one hole during a big deal tournament, Pryce ignored the advice of his caddy Mitts (Marc Maron). He repeatedly picked the wrong club thus dropping multiple balls into the water.

Pryce “Stick” Cahill (Owen Wilson) is a washed-up golf pro, in "Stick." (Apple TV+)
Pryce “Stick” Cahill (Owen Wilson) is a washed-up golf pro, in "Stick." Apple TV+

Bar Hustlers

This cost Pryce the tournament and basically sunk his future. Nowadays, Pryce and Mitts hustle unsuspecting bar patrons with staged challenges. Adding to their woes, Mitts is a recent widower and Pryce is getting divorced (not by choice) from his estranged wife, Amber-Linn (Judy Greer).

A hearty tip of the hat to showrunner Jason Keller, his writers, and the directors for not assuming that every viewer is already familiar with golf terms and insider speak. For example, “stick” is a word that pros use to describe other pros who have mastered every facet of the game.

Things start looking up for Pryce when he catches a glimpse of teen phenom Santi (Peter Dager) crushing it at the local driving range where Pryce gives lessons. A long hitter with deadly accuracy, Santi has obvious talent, but when Pryce approaches him with the idea of being his coach, Santi turns and runs without explanation.

Amber-Linn (Judy Greer) and Stick Cahill (Owen Wilson), in "Stick." (Apple TV+)
Amber-Linn (Judy Greer) and Stick Cahill (Owen Wilson), in "Stick." Apple TV+

The US Amateur

Exactly why Santi reacts this way is better explained by Elena (Mariana Treviño), his single mother and the owner of a party goods store. After light persuasion (and a sizable down payment) from Pryce, Elena agrees he can coach and mentor Santi to get him ready to qualify for the U.S. Amateur tournament.

The fifth principal character in the show is Zero (Lilli Kay), a teen nomad of sorts, currently tending bar at a country club hosting a qualifying round for the U.S. Amateur. Brimming with prickly pluck and not one to suffer fools gladly, Zero quickly bonds with Elena and Santi. Wisely recognizing that this will help his cause, Pryce invites Zero to join the team, and she grudgingly accepts.

Pryce “Stick” Cahill (Owen Wilson, L) and Santi Wheeler (Peter Dager), in "Stick." (Apple TV+)
Pryce “Stick” Cahill (Owen Wilson, L) and Santi Wheeler (Peter Dager), in "Stick." Apple TV+

It’s as old as the hills. If a teen is being advised on a particular matter by a wiser elder, the teen will often ignore said advice. However, if the same teen is given the same advice by another teen, they often listen. This is why Zero is so integral to the arc of the plot.

In the interest of full disclosure, the Zero character identifies as “gender fluid.” Just why this was done made little sense to me, as Zero never exhibits what most would consider being “masculine” traits. By the start of the second half of the season, Zero behaves in a decided “feminine” manner.

In my opinion, this facet of the character was thoroughly unneeded and adds nothing to the otherwise positive impact Zero makes on the show. I’m dinging the season a full star in the rating for infusing a character channeling useless and trendy social messaging.

A Rousing Passage

With the exception of the hour-long pilot, the remaining nine episodes clock in at around 30 minutes. It amazed me at just how much story and character development Keller and his creative team could squeeze into such small increments.

For instance, at the end of the third episode, the five-minute song “Baba O’Riley” by The Who is played in its entirety, an extremely rare thing to do in any TV show or movie. During this stretch, Keller and company include no dialogue. Instead, they provide a barrage of supremely edited visual clips that results in a rousing, uplifting, emotionally charged, and inspirational final scene.

Golf prodigy Santi Wheeler (Peter Dager), in "Stick." (Apple TV+)
Golf prodigy Santi Wheeler (Peter Dager), in "Stick." Apple TV+

Another later episode is dedicated mostly to a fantasy-based backstory featuring Pryce and Amber-Linn during the happier days of their marriage. Slightly resembling “The Test Dream” episode from “The Sopranos,” this was a daring “what if” choice by Keller that more than successfully pulls on heartstrings.

Although not officially billed as “Season 1,” “Stick” concludes in a manner that not only leaves the door open for another—it all but promises one. There are no dangling plot threads left incomplete, which is great. Keller and company didn’t get “out over their skis,” and they seem to be banking on audiences clamoring for more, which they should.

The series starts June 4 on Apple TV+.
‘Stick’ Showrunner: Jason Keller Starring: Owen Wilson, Peter Dager, Mariana Treviño, Lilli Kay Episodes: 10 TV Parental Guidance: TV-MA Release Date: June 4, 2025 Rating: 3 1/2 stars out of 5
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Michael Clark
Michael Clark
Author
Originally from the nation's capital, Michael Clark has provided film content to over 30 print and online media outlets. He co-founded the Atlanta Film Critics Circle in 2017 and is a weekly contributor to the Shannon Burke Show on FloridaManRadio.com. Since 1995, Clark has written over 5,000 movie reviews and film-related articles. He favors dark comedy, thrillers, and documentaries.