Golf is one of those sports where it is one where honing the skill and craft goes a long way. Many professionals start the first day at a young age. For Maurice Flitcroft, he began his golfing days in his 40s. The Phantom of the Open is fun, faithful, and honest. Mark Rylance, Sally Hawkins, and Rhys Ifans are all dazzling in this heartfelt comedy based on the true story of Maurice Flitcroft. As an individual who loved taking golf lessons as a child, and who enjoys hitting at the driving range, I found much joy in this film. Many elements of The Phantom of the Open touched my heart. That is because the film is faithful towards making its point that it is never too late to learn golf. Only thing though, not many would just jump into a big golf tournament with little to no experience. Flitcroft does though.

With The Phantom of the Open gearing on Rylance as Maurice, Rylance is the absolute and definite roll for Maurice. Rylance always displays that patient, family-man, and dad vibe. He is an individual that tries to put all negativity aside, and just go with the flow. Not only go with the flow, but also encourage the environments around him to go his pace. With Sally Hawkins playing the role of Jean Flitcroft (Maurice’s wife) she goes with that patient vibe as well. I love how the duo between both Rylance and Hawkins plays into a positive and fun comedy that is fun for many ages. The one who throws in the agitations with the plot of the film is Keith Mackenzie, and he is played by Rhys Ifans. That is because his role is the one that tries to put a halt to Maurice’s crazy dreams. But with the vibe from Rylance’s performance, his crazy dreams make The Phantom of the Open to be a hole-in-one experience.

In the film, Maurice is someone who randomly has a dream to enter the British Open Golf Championship in 1976. With no experience at all, Maurice finds a way in. In the beginning though his skills lack and continue to not improve. However, Maurice begins to gain his craft slowly but truly. The message from Maurice’s goals is to never give up with a skill one is passionate about. I found that Rylance can deliver one of those roles where he can keep being a role model to many. Especially with a film gearing on the competitive sport of golf, he makes it obvious that many can build a craft or hone the skill, and eventually become a pro at any age.

As the film progresses with trial and error, new opportunities arise for Maurice. He begins to receive more recognition, some politics come into play, but despite all the stressors, Maurice continues to keep up his momentum on the golf course. The Phantom of the Open is a film where the positive vibes continue to thrive. Three and a half stars for The Phantom of the Open.