St Andrews proves one of stars of new film Tommy’s Honour

arts: Actor Peter Mullan praises Home of Golf’s contribution to upcoming movie on Old Tom Morris

The kingdom of Fife will play a starring role in a new movie directed by Sir Sean Connery’s son.

Tommy’s Honour tells the story of golfing legend Old Tom Morris and his relationship with son Tommy, who, incredibly, matched his father’s four Open victories before his death at the age of 24.

But while it features some stellar names, including Scots actor Peter Mullan as Old Tom, as well as Jurassic Park star Sam Neill and Ophelia Lovibond from Guardians of the Galaxy, they are almost overshadowed by some of Fife’s most stunning vistas.

Directed by Jason Connery, the Scottish Bafta-winning film was shot at the home of golf, St Andrews, and the surrounding area.

Balcarres, near Colinsburgh, doubled as the Old Course of the late 1800s and other scenes were shot in Falkland.

A new, behind-the-scenes feature film explains why filming locally was so important.

Mullan – who starred in Sunshine on Leith – said: “We could shoot somewhere else but we would never capture this. I’ve been blown away by how incredibly different and utterly beautiful the light is.”

“For a film like this, you need to film it in Scotland. This town alone (St Andrews) gives you so much more than you would ever get on a film set.”

Tommy’s Honour also tells the story of the father-son relationship, class struggle and the love of a game. It has been given a release date of April 14 in the United States and will be released internationally later in the spring.

For a film like this, you need to film it in Scotland. This town alone gives you so much more than you would ever get on a film set

Life’s a beach: Sunset Song actor Peter Mullan, centre, on set in St Andrews for the filming of Tommy’s Honour.