michael alexander

They are Scottish heroes and rightly so. St Andrews and the Old Course is such a magnificent place. JASON CONNERY FILM DIRECTOR

In stark contrast to the manicured courses and big-money professionalism at the top end of modern golf, Tommy’s Honour successfully captures the authentic feel of a time when the links courses on the east coast of Scotland were mown by sheep and it wasn’t unknown for hard-drinking partisan spectators – and players – to engage in full-blown brawls on the course.

Sweeping aerial panoramas, stunning sunsets and that unmistakable east coast light give the period film a realistic feel that could not have been achieved if it had been shot anywhere else.

Yet this is more than just a golf movie.

It’s a relationship movie – a moving father and son movie, an exploration of principles and religion – which just so happens to be set against the backdrop of golf.

It’s also an exploration of Britain’s stuffy Victorian club and class structure – the legacy of which arguably still exists today – where the ‘working classes’ were supposed to know their place and the ‘gentlemen’ establishment tried to keep them there.

Peter Mullan’s gritty onscreen presence is perfect for the role of Old Tom, while Jack Lowden’s portrayal of Young Tommy features just the right blend of youthful energy and arrogance that Scotland’s first sporting superstar might have been expected to have.

It’s a tale of triumph and tragedy, and during last night’s premiere the novelty of seeing local locations on screen was tempered by the knowledge that the lives, loves and dramas of this movie were played out for real within just a few hundred yards of the cinema.

Ultimately, however, it’s a story of how two remarkable men from very humble backgrounds strived to change the world – and left a mark that is revered to this day.