🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Ron Shelton
- Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance, Sport
- Release year: 1996
- Runtime (length): 2h 15min
- IMDb rating: 6.4/10 (55K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 73%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A washed-up golfer tries to win back his ex-girlfriend by repeatedly hitting a golf ball into a lake until he qualifies for next year’s tournament, proving that persistence is key, especially when you’re terrible at risk assessment.
🍿 Tin Cup: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Introduction to Roy ‘Tin Cup’ McAvoy
Roy McAvoy, nicknamed ‘Tin Cup,’ is a former golf prodigy now running a dilapidated driving range in West Texas. He’s charismatic but irresponsible, living a simple life with his friend and caddy, Romeo. Roy’s life takes a turn when Dr. Molly Griswold, a beautiful psychiatrist, arrives seeking golf lessons.

The Rivalry and Romantic Pursuit
Molly is dating David Simms, a successful and arrogant PGA star who was Roy’s college rival. Roy becomes infatuated with Molly and decides to turn his life around to impress her. He sets his sights on qualifying for the U.S. Open, hoping to prove himself and win her affection.

The Road to the U.S. Open
Roy faces numerous challenges on his journey to the U.S. Open, including financial struggles, a lack of discipline, and his own self-destructive tendencies. He enlists Molly as his therapist to help him focus, and their relationship deepens as he progresses through the qualifying rounds.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Roy McAvoy (Kevin Costner): A talented but washed-up golf pro who attempts to qualify for the U.S. Open to win back his rival’s girlfriend.
- Dr. Molly Griswold (Rene Russo): A psychiatrist and novice golfer torn between her successful boyfriend and a charming, struggling golf pro.
- David Simms (Don Johnson): A successful and arrogant PGA superstar who is Roy’s former college rival and Molly’s boyfriend.
- Romeo Posar (Cheech Marin): Roy’s loyal caddy and friend who provides support and guidance throughout his journey.
- Doreen (Linda Hart): A madam of show girls who ends up owning Roy’s driving range after he signs it over to pay off debts.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Roy McAvoy: “A little bit is better than nada.” – Roy’s optimistic motto, suggesting that any progress, however small, is valuable.
- Roy McAvoy: “Sex and golf are the two things you don’t have to be good at to enjoy.” – Roy’s humorous take on the accessible pleasures in life.
- Roy McAvoy: “I’m gonna grip it, and I’m gonna rip it.” – Roy’s confident instruction to Molly, encapsulating his go-for-broke attitude.
- Romeo Posar: “Your zipper’s open, your fly is down.” – Romeo’s constant, deadpan reminder to Roy to pay attention to the small details, even in moments of high drama.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $45,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $53,854,588
- Worldwide Gross: $53,854,588
💥 Tin Cup Reviews
Personal Review
I absolutely loved ‘Tin Cup’! It’s one of those movies I can watch over and over. Kevin Costner is fantastic as Roy McAvoy, and the chemistry between him and Rene Russo is undeniable. The ending, where he keeps hitting the ball into the water, is both frustrating and inspiring. It’s not just about golf; it’s about taking chances and staying true to yourself. Every time I watch it, I feel motivated to go after what I want, even if I fail a few times along the way. Plus, Cheech Marin is hilarious!
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of Kevin Costner”
- “Golf enthusiasts”
- “Viewers who enjoy sports comedies and romantic dramas”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Some strong language”
- “Suggestive themes”
Professional Reviews
- Rotten Tomatoes: “Tin Cup is a charming and funny sports movie with great performances from Kevin Costner and Rene Russo. While the plot follows a familiar underdog story, the engaging characters and witty dialogue make it an enjoyable watch.
- Roger Ebert: “Ebert describes the movie as a winning romantic comedy which highlights the game’s inherent absurdity, with memorable characters and natural charm. ‘Tin Cup’ is funny and smart, with sharp writing and great performances.
- James Berardinelli: “Berardinelli praises Costner’s portrayal of a charming loser. The movie has a likable and feel-good vibe. The narrative captures the blend of humor and heart.
Audience Reactions
Costner’s performance is amazing, embodying a lovable screw-up.: Viewers praise the blend of humor and romance in the film.
The unconventional ending is remembered as legendary.: The relatable, inspiring message is highly rated by viewers.
Overall Consensus: ‘Tin Cup’ is a well-received sports romantic comedy, known for its engaging characters, humor, and Kevin Costner’s performance. Most viewers find it enjoyable and inspiring, with some criticizing the predictable plot elements.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Kevin Costner significantly lowered his golf handicap while preparing for the role.”
- “The ‘Tin Cup Lake’ water hazard was specifically constructed for the film at the Tubac Golf Resort in Arizona.”
- “Director Ron Shelton also directed ‘Bull Durham,’ another sports-themed movie starring Kevin Costner.”
🖥️ How to Watch Tin Cup?
Tin Cup is available for streaming on platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV where you can rent or purchase it. Check local listings for TV airings. The film is also available for purchase on DVD and Blu-ray from major retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Tin Cup, you might like these similar films:
- Caddyshack (1980): Classic golf comedy with memorable characters and absurd humor that appeals to fans of ‘Tin Cup’s’ lighter moments.
- Bull Durham (1988): Also directed by Ron Shelton and starring Kevin Costner, it shares similar themes of washed-up talent, romance, and personal redemption through sports.
- Happy Gilmore (1996): A comedic take on golf with a protagonist who breaks conventions, appealing to those who enjoy Roy McAvoy’s unconventional style.
- The Hustler (1961): Explores the themes of talent, self-destruction, and the price of success, similar to the internal struggles faced by Roy McAvoy.
🛒 Tin Cup Related Products
- Tin Cup [Blu-ray]: Own the movie in high-definition Blu-ray format. Perfect for collectors and movie enthusiasts who want to enjoy the film’s visuals and sound quality.
- Tin Cup Movie Poster: A high-quality reproduction of the original movie poster. Great for decorating home theaters, offices, or any space where fans want to display their love for the movie.
- Callaway Golf Clubs Set: High-performance golf clubs designed to improve your game. Experience the thrill of golf inspired by the movie.
- Golf Training Aid: Improve your golf swing and accuracy with training aids. These tools can help you master the game and improve performance.
🎧 Soundtrack
Tin Cup features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Little Bit Is Better Than Nada” – performed by Texas Tornados
- “You’re the One” – performed by Dwight Yoakam
- “Big Stick” – performed by Southern Pacific
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Tin Cup was primarily filmed in Tubac, Arizona, at the Tubac Golf Resort. Additional scenes were filmed in Texas.
While the characters are fictional, Tin Cup is inspired by real-life golfers and the challenges they face. The film’s themes of perseverance and self-discovery resonate with many athletes’ experiences.
Roy’s repeated attempts to hit the ball over the water hazard on the 18th hole symbolize his refusal to compromise his ideals. He chooses to take the difficult shot, even at the cost of winning, to prove something to himself and Molly.
🔥 Bonus Content
Pro Golfer Brooks Koepka Breaks Down Golf Scenes from Movies | GQ Sports
Ever wondered if the golf in ‘Tin Cup’ is actually realistic? Brooks Koepka, a pro golfer, breaks down the movie’s golf scenes and gives his expert opinion. It’s pretty cool to see what a real pro thinks!
THE REAL Tin Cup Challenge w/ Gm Golf
Remember that crazy scene in ‘Tin Cup’ where he uses garden tools to play golf? These guys actually tried it! It’s hilarious to watch them struggle (and sometimes succeed) with a baseball bat. You gotta check it out.
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