The roster of strong golf movies isn’t that deep but this one is on the short list. Director Bill Paxton brought amateur golfer Francis Ouimet’s story to the big screen on “The Greatest Game Ever Played”, released in theaters 19 years on this date, Sept. 30, 2005. The secret weapon for Ouimet – played by Shia LaBeouf – in the 1913 U.S. Open wasn’t a particular set of clubs, nor his familiarity with the course at The Country Club, which he could see from his bedroom window. When the amateur won the title in an upset against British veterans Harry Vardon and Ted Ray, he credited his caddie, Eddie Lowery, a 10-year-old boy who was his loudest cheerleader. The stunning victory cemented a place for Ouimet and Lowery, as well as The Country Club, whiched hosted the 2022 U.S. Open, in golf history.
Eddie Lowery was the unlikely hero in Francis Ouimet’s victory at the 1913 U.S. Open. A 20-year-old Brookline native who had caddied at TCC, Ouimet was fresh off a loss in the U.S. Amateur when the president of the U.S. Golf Association asked if he would play in the Open. Though he initially declined, Ouimet joined after his boss gave him time off to play. Finding a caddie proved more difficult. Lowery and his brother, Jack, played hooky from school to watch the play at TCC, and Jack agreed to caddie for Ouimet after the golfer’s original man bailed. When a truant officer caught Jack, however, Eddie took three street cars over to TCC and pleaded with Ouimet to take his brother’s place. “I’ve never lost a ball,” Lowery advertised, not mentioning he had rarely caddied, according to TCC historian Frederick Waterman.
Barbara McLean, Ouimet’s daughter, reflected on her father’s modesty and humility. Her father was “just Dad, a very, very modest man,” and for most of their childhoods, Barbara and sister Jane – both of whom live on Cape Cod – never knew the grandness of what Francis Ouimet had accomplished as a young man. At a time when golf was dominated by the Brits and the game was only for the elite, Ouimet and Lowery, scripted an incredible story. In the aftermath of their playoff triumph over the greatest players of the day, Britons Harry Vardon and Ted Ray, it has been said that 2 million people began playing golf in the United States, and Ouimet has been hailed as the “Father of American Golf.” A true American sports icon.
Ouimet’s legacy extended beyond his historic victory at the U.S. Open. He served a few years in the Army, married Stella Sullivan in 1918, and opened a sporting-goods store with his brother-in-law, Jack Sullivan. Ouimet’s impact on golf continued even after his retirement from competitive play. The movie, which was released in 2005, grossed over $15 million at the box office and received positive reviews. It ranks fifth on IMDB’s list of best golf movies ever made. The film captures the essence of Ouimet and Lowery’s remarkable journey to victory at the 1913 U.S. Open, showcasing their resilience and passion for the game of golf.
Overall, “The Greatest Game Ever Played” is a testament to the power of perseverance and belief in oneself. The unlikely partnership between Francis Ouimet and Eddie Lowery defied the odds and captivated audiences around the world. Their story continues to inspire golfers and sports enthusiasts alike, highlighting the importance of determination and camaraderie in achieving greatness. As the movie celebrates its anniversary, it serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of Francis Ouimet and the impact he had on the sport of golf. Through his triumph at the U.S. Open and his continued dedication to the game, Ouimet left a lasting imprint on the world of golf, solidifying his place as a true American sports hero.
