TIN CUP
Written by
JOHN NORVILLE and RON SHELTON
December 1995 Draft
FOR EDUCATIONAL
PURPOSES ONLY
1.
TINNY CHEATIN' HEART MUSIC, the dull GROAN of a TRACTOR,
CRICKETS CHIRPIN' love songs, sporadic ZAPS from BUG
LIGHTS, and an occasional random THWOCK as we --
FADE IN:
1 EXT. TEXAS - DRAMATIC ANGLE - SUNSET 1
Out west where the sun descends gloriously over desolate
mountains. A sense of timeless and incorruptible beauty
if you ignore the TWANG of the MUSIC, the SPUTTER of the
TRACTOR, the ZAPS, the THWACKS... and something else...
... MEN'S VOICES. Garrulous with drink, fraternity and
amusement.
We PAN DOWN TO:
2 EXT. DRIVING RANGE - LATE DAY 2
A man, JOSE, is on the roof, wrestling with a rickety
satellite dish, stringing wire, trying to get it to work.
(We get glimpses of him throughout the scene as he
struggles with what is assuredly a pirate operation.)
Four of six floodlights nailed to the roof cast pools of
yellow into the gathering darkness. ROY "TIN CUP" McAVOY
stands under the swarm of moths crowding the brightest
light, hitting golf balls. THWOCK...! Launching them,
really, into the deepening night. There's a beer between
his legs. Behind him:
A group of men forms a semicircle, facing away from Tin
Cup. These men are the range regulars: CURT, CLINT,
EARL, and DEWEY. Each man has money in one hand and his
preferred libation in the other. They're all looking
back and forth between the bug lights hung on the back
wall, and muttering what sounds like bets to:
ROMEO POSAR -- a smaller man, he stands at the center of
the group with a handful of cash. Romeo is a part-time
bookie and full-time driving range man. Born across the
river in Mexico, Romeo is Tin Cup's caddie, confidante,
best friend.
ROMEO
Okay, all bets are down!
Their eyes rivet on the bug lights, edgy, hopeful,
until... ZAP! A BUG is ELECTROCUTED. And Dewey cheers
triumphantly while the other regulars mutter curses about
how they woulda, coulda, shoulda bet.
2.
ROMEO
Number one is the winner! Dewey
has the winner. Pays five to two!
Romeo quickly pays Dewey and more quickly takes money from
the losers. It's fast-paced, inane, time-killing
gambling. Tin Cup looks over.
TIN CUP
Don't you shitheels ever get
bored?
The regulars flap dismissive palms and mutter in the
negative as they turn back to Romeo and the action at the
bug lights.
TIN CUP
... 'Cuz I got a riddle.
Tin Cup leads the regulars inside.
CUT TO:
A3 INT. DRIVING RANGE - LATE DAY A3
Tin Cup holds court.
TIN CUP
Takes about two ounces of brains
to figure it out. Anyone think
they got a brain with two ounces
of brains in it?
The regulars silently look at each other, reluctant to
reveal the heft of their brains.
TIN CUP
For Chrissakes, boys! A little
self-confidence from the players'
gallery. We ain't talking long
division.
EARL
(timidly)
How much we gotta lose?
TIN CUP
You want to liven things up, Earl?
That's a hell of an idea. Say
everyone puts in twenty bucks and
the pot goes to whoever solves the
riddle.
DEWEY
You going to get the riddle, Tin
Cup?
3.
TIN CUP
(patiently)
Dewey. I'm the one asking the
riddle. I already know the
answer. I don't getta guess.
Although... We could say if I get
to five hundred bounces and no one
gets the riddle, I get the pot.
And I know what you're thinking.
It's an impossible riddle. Well,
It's not. It's an easy riddle.
And if somehow by the grace of
fluke luck I win, and you all
don't agree it was an easy
riddle, hell, I'll refund your
money.
EARL, CLINT & ALL
I'm in... We're in... Count us
in... etc...
TIN CUP
Okay, a man's driving down the
road with his son and they get
in a crash. Two ambulances come
and take the man and his son to
different hospitals. Son goes
into the operating room, the
doctor looks at him and says, 'I
can't operate on this boy. He's
my son.' How's that possible?
(beat)
The clock's ticking boys...
Tin Cup begins bouncing a ball on the face of his wedge.
EARL
Father didn't sneak back in,
right? He's still at the other
hospital?
TIN CUP
It ain't 'Star Trek,' Earl. No
one beamed him aboard.
That eliminates the most plausible theory in their minds.
The men think harder.
EARL
Well... if the father married the
son's daughter --
TIN CUP
It's a family riddle, Earl. Think
clean thoughts.
4.
The regulars puzzle some more.
CLINT
Give us a little hint.
MOLLY (O.S.)
The doctor's a woman.
All heads turn to take in the arrival of:
3 MOLLY GRISWOLD 3
Standing just inside the door -- she's a fresh-faced
beauty in her early thirties, and she's got all new
everything the sport of golf requires: new bag, new
clubs, new shoes, new clothes, new visor... she looks
like she stepped out of an ad in Golf Digest. And all
the men are asking themselves the same question: what's
she doing here? The silence invites Molly to supply the
riddle's answer.
MOLLY
The doctor is the son's mother.
Feminists pose the riddle to
reveal how deeply our sexual
stereotypes run.
(directly to Tin Cup)
I take it you're a feminist?
Tin Cup misses the ball he's been bouncing, breaking the
spell. The regulars wait for Tin Cup's response.
TIN CUP
Ma'am, I've been called a lot of
things -- but no one's ever
saddled me with that one.
MOLLY
You might try being saddled
sometime -- the smell of leather,
the sting of a whip...
The regulars snicker, enjoying her one-upmanship.
TIN CUP
(slightly taken
aback)
I'm just a humble golf pro...
MOLLY
You're Roy McAvoy the golf pro? I
pictured something... different.
I have a seven o'clock lesson.
TIN CUP
I thought I had a Doctor Griswold
5.
at seven.
They hurry out to the range, Tin Cup oblivious to his
gaffe.
And the regulars gather to look out the window --
4 THEIR POV - THROUGH WINDOW 4
To the range, where Molly is stretching and Tin Cup is
discreetly waving to the regulars to get lost.
CUT TO:
5 EXT. DRIVING RANGE - NIGHT 5
The lesson begins. Tin Cup can be slightly condescending
in these situations, though she's got him a little wary.
TIN CUP
The first thing you gotta learn
about this game, Doc, is it ain't
about hitting a little white ball
into some yonder hole. It's about
inner demons and self-doubt and
human frailty and overcoming all
that crap. So... what kinda
doctor'd you say you were?
MOLLY
I'm a psychologist -- in layman's
terms call me a neo-Jungian, post-
modern Freudian, holistic
secularist.
TIN CUP
Damn.
She begins unpacking one of her bags, pulling out every
golf gimmick on the market -- swing aid straps to pull
your elbows together, a ball pendulum that hangs from
your hat, a metal contraption for your feet, etc.
MOLLY
Inner demons and human frailty are
my life's work. I used to
practice in El Paso but I've moved
here now...
TIN CUP
What're those?
MOLLY
I ordered these from the Golf
Channel.
6.
He stares in disbelief as she tries to wriggle into some
of this stuff. He's enchanted and dismayed.
TIN CUP
That stuff's a waste of money.
MOLLY
I'm sure there are excesses and
repetitions here, but I believe in
the gathering of knowledge and I
figured, well, there must be some
truths about the golf swing
illustrated by these devices --
and that you'd help me sort
through it.
She stands there with contraptions coming from every
limb.
MOLLY
I have dozens of golf videotapes,
too... And a golf watch.
TIN CUP
(irritated, impatient)
Take it off. All of it. Now!
You're a smart woman, for
Chrissakes -- don't you know the
work of charlatans when you see
it?
She deposits all the golf gimmick devices in a pile.
MOLLY
No. I can always tell when
someone is lying to himself, but
I'm quite susceptible and
frequently wrong when that person
lies to me.
(pointing to the
pile of devices)
That stuff cost me over 200
dollars --
TIN CUP
Then it's 200 dollars of shit...
He tees a ball, hands Molly her driver and steps back.
TIN CUP
Go ahead. Take a swing.
Molly takes a pitty-pat swing and whiffs, and mutters
under her breath with the ease of a longshoreman.
7.
MOLLY
Aw, fuck...
TIN CUP
Well, you talk like a golfer --
Molly unloads a mighty second swing. The club head
bounces off the mat. The ball sits untouched.
MOLLY
Shit.
TIN CUP
'Fuck...' 'Shit...' these are
highly technical golf terms and
you're using them on your first
lesson -- this is promising.
MOLLY
Awright, wise ass, show me.
Tin Cup takes the club from Molly, motions for her to
step back, tees up a ball, and rockets a drive into the
night.
TIN CUP
Something like that.
He hands her back the club and tees up another ball.
Molly just looks at him.
MOLLY
Impressive. Y'know, I tend to
process things verbally. Can you
break down into words how you did
that?
Tin Cup takes a deep breath -- this is his speech.
TIN CUP
'What is the golf swing?' -- by
Roy McAvoy.
(beat)
The golf swing is a poem.
TIN CUP (CONT'D)
Sometimes a love sonnet and
sometimes a Homerian epic -- it is
organic and of a piece, yet it
breaks down into elegant stanzas
and quatrains. The critical
opening phrase of this song is the
grip, in which the hands unite to
form a single unit by the simple
overlap of the smallest finger...
(displays grip)
... held lightly, a conductor's
8.
baton.
(starts swing)
Lowly and slowly the clubhead is
pulled back, led into position
not by the hands but the body
which turns away from the target,
shifting to the right side without
shifting balance. Tempo is
everything, perfection unobtainable,
as the body coils, now to the top
of the swing, in profound equilibrium.
And then a slight hesitation, a nod
to the gods...
MOLLY
A nod to the gods?
TIN CUP
To the gods, yes... that he is
fallible. As the weight shifts
back to the left pulled now by
powers inside the earth -- it's
alive, this swing, a living
sculpture -- and down through
contact, always down, into terra
firma, striking the ball crisply
-- with character -- a tuning
fork goes off in your heart, your
balls -- such a pure feeling is
the well-struck golf shot -- And
then the follow through to finish,
always on line -- The reverse 'C'
of the Golden Bear, the steelworker's
power and brawn of Carl Sandburg's
Arnold Palmer, the da Vinci of
Hogan, the unfinished symphony of
Roy McAvoy.
MOLLY
What? What's unfinished?
TIN CUP
I have a short follow through --
my swing can look unfinished.
MOLLY
Why?
TIN CUP
Some say it's because that's the
best way to play through the winds
of West Texas... and some say it's
because I never finish anything.
You can decide. The point is every
finishing position is unique as if
that is the signature left to the
artist, the warrior athlete who,
9.
finally and thereby, has asserted
his oneness with and power over the
universe by willing a golf ball to
go where he wants and how and when,
because that is what the golf swing
is about...
(finally)
It is about gaining control of
your life, and letting go at the
same time.
Molly stares back, exhausted and intrigued.
MOLLY
Jeez Louise...
TIN CUP
There is only one other acceptable
theory of how to hit a golf ball.
MOLLY
I'm afraid to ask. What's the
other theory?
TIN CUP
Grip it and rip it.
MOLLY
While I appreciate your poetic
sensibility, Mr. McAvoy --
TIN CUP
Call me Roy, Molly...
MOLLY
Call me Dr. Griswold...
MOLLY (CONT'D)
Roy... but at this point I think
I'm more of the 'grip it and rip
it' school. Hand me the driver.
Tin Cup does. She tees it up.
TIN CUP
Waggle it, Doc, don't forget to
waggle.
(as she stares at
him)
Waggle... the club head...
(shows her)
... it's a little relaxing
ritual...
She waggles the club head, then takes the club back.
10.
TIN CUP
Let the Big Dog eat!
She stops, lets the club fall.
MOLLY
What Big Dog?
TIN CUP
The driver, the number one wood --
MOLLY
It's metal.
TIN CUP
Yeah, woods are metal -- don't
worry about it -- and the driver's
known as the Big Dog and I'm just
saying to turn him loose, let 'er
rip, let the Big Dog eat!
MOLLY
Oh.
She swings. Tops the ball. It goes ten feet.
MOLLY
This is, without a doubt, the
stupidest, silliest, most idiotic
grotesquery masquerading as a game
that has ever been invented.
TIN CUP
(cheerfully)
Yes, ma'am, that's why I love it.
(beat)
And if you hit one good shot -- if
that tuning fork rings in your
loin -- you can't wait to get
back.
She cracks one dead solid perfect out into the night. It
felt great and she knows it.
MOLLY
I think the Big Dog ate something.
TIN CUP
Did the tuning fork ring in your
loin?
MOLLY
I wouldn't go that far.
TIN CUP
Always quit on a good shot. We'll
call that lesson number one...
11.
(confidentially)
... and if ya wouldn't mind paying
me in cash -- there's a little
I.R.S. situation I'm dealing with
--
MOLLY
If you're such a legendary striker
of the golf ball as everyone says,
then why are you, at your age, out
here in the middle of nowhere
operating a barely solvent
establishment, ducking the I.R.S.,
collecting a few pathetic dollars
to buy your next sixpack -- when
you're capable of so much more?
Her speech is delivered without judgement or rancor, so
matter of factly that he's disarmed.
TIN CUP
Perhaps I'm chocked full of inner
demons?
MOLLY
No, you're chocked full of
bullshit --
(cheerily)
Same time next week?
She heads off to the parking lot. He stares.
TIN CUP
What did you mean I should try
'being saddled' sometime?
TIN CUP (CONT'D)
Were you being literal or was that
some kind of Freudian type deal?
Molly? Doctor?
(beat)
What kind of saddle?
CLOSE ON MOLLY
As she walks into the West Texas night. She smiles,
enjoying Tin Cup's confusion.
Tin Cup just stares into the night, holding his cash, until
JOSE'S VOICE ECHOES down from the roof.
JOSE
I got it! Esta bien! The flag
is up!
CUT TO:
12.
7 INT. DRIVING RANGE SHACK - NIGHT 7
Tin Cup enters, cash in hand, as the regulars all gather
excitedly around the TV monitor now coming in.
TIN CUP
A class act there, boys --
probably the first actual `lady
type' female ever seen on these
premises --
ROMEO
Shut up, boss -- we got the Corpus
Christi dog track on the dish --
EARL
This is yer dead mortal cinch lock
bet with Do-reen.
Everyone's glued to the set. A greyhound race comes on
from a remote Texas track on the gulf.
TIN CUP
Free money, boys, what does
Doreen know about the fine art of
Greyhound breeding?
ROMEO
All she knows is she likes the
three dog 'cause his name is
Pride of Odessa 'cause she's
from Odessa.
TIN CUP
Get ready for Oddessa-lation, boys.
How deep we in?
ROMEO
You gave her twenty to one --
EARL
It's only fifteen to one on the
toteboard --
TIN CUP
Yeah, but I got every other dog
in the race. I'm just getting
even with Doreen -- I'm not
trying to clean her clock.
CLINT
So how much you stand to lose?
ROMEO
Twelve thousand.
13.
TIN CUP
Hundred.
ROMEO
Thousand.
TIN CUP
(panicky)
Hundred.
ROMEO
You said to shoot the wad.
TIN CUP
I said get even, Pod. I didn't
say shoot the wad. We better see
that three dog rolling on his ass.
All eyes on the monitor -- the dogs break.
EARL
Except... if he breaks slow, he
won't get creamed...
The starting box opens -- "THERE GOES THE RABBIT" -- the
three dog breaks slow and trails down the front stretch.
REGULARS
Three dog's dying, T.C.... easy
money... (etc.)
The one dog veers wide, going into the escape turn,
annihilating the field. Dogs fly ass over teakettle
like bowling pins, and --
REGULARS
Uh-oh.
The three dog clears the pileup, untouched, hugging the
rail. It has a ten length lead as it moves down the
backstretch and past the toteboard. The race is over --
the three dog wins.
Deathly silence. Somebody flips OFF the TV. Finally,
in a lame attempt to lighten the moment, Romeo speaks --
ROMEO
So, Roy, you were saying you
felt a little flutter for this
doctor lady?
TIN CUP
Yes, I was saying that... just
before I was interrupted by...
bankruptcy -- a development that
the 'Doctor Lady,' as you call her,
14.
will consider utterly predictable.
CUT TO:
8 EXT. GOLDEN TASSEL NIGHTCLUB - NIGHT 8
The marquee advertises: EXOTIC DANCERS/STEAK $4.00. The
parking lot is full of pickup trucks and beer cans.
Tin Cup and Romeo head toward the entrance.
ROMEO
We lost everything, boss! We owe
Doreen twelve thousand bucks!
TIN CUP
I think I been dating too many
big-haired blondes.
ROMEO
Them big-haired blondes are a lot
smarter 'n us...
(beat)
... how we gonna pay her?
TIN CUP
You underestimate me, Romes.
Romeo doesn't realize the truth in his own response.
ROMEO
It's a bad habit I picked up
from knowing you so long.
TURK (THE BOUNCER)
Hey, Tin Cup, Doreen's looking for
ya --
TIN CUP
I'm sure she is...
They enter the strip joint.
CUT TO:
9 INT. GOLDEN TASSEL - NIGHT 9
A nearly-NAKED DANCER on stage to a lot of whooping
cowboys. Tin Cup moves in this world with ease and
something that passes for grace. Everyone knows him.
WAITRESS/STRIPPER
Hey, Tin Cup, haven't seen ya in
three days!
15.
TIN CUP
Busy man, Courtenay, busy man --
As they pass the stage, even the Naked Dancer interrupts
her moment with a bunch of guys offering dollar bills --
NAKED DANCER
Tin Cup! Hi, sweetie!
TIN CUP
Hiya, honey -- lookin' sweet...
And backstage they go, easily waved through by another
bouncer. They come up to a dressing room door. And
knock.
A voice from inside.
VOICE (O.S.)
That better be you, Roy.
10 TIN CUP AND ROMEO 10
enter this holy of holies with complete familiarity. And
there she is -- DOREEN, 35, at least, the classic chesty,
hippie, big-wigged Texas goddess. She's older than the
other girls, and more experienced in every way. She's
smoking a cigarette and finishing up the touches on her
stripper's outfit.
Tin Cup and Romeo stand at her beckoning.
TIN CUP
Doreen...
ROMEO
You're looking particularly
lovely this evening -- This is
nicer than the leopard suit --
DOREEN
Cut the horseshit, guys. So...
the one and two dogs always run
wide and the three dog always
breaks slow, so I figure there's
gonna be a big ol' pile of fur at
the turn and the three dog's
gonna tiptoe around it and walk
on home... I was right.
(smiles)
You owe me twelve thousand
dollars.
ROMEO
We going to pay you.
16.
Tin Cup squirms as Doreen babbles a bit.
DOREEN
I know you're going to pay me.
DOREEN (CONT'D)
(admiring her own
outfit)
Y'know I finally got rid of the
leopard suit thing -- it was so
retro, y'know... it's not easy
being a post-modern stripper...
(beat)
So... twelve big ones?
Tin Cup finally digs into his coat pocket and produces
some official-looking papers. He hands them to her.
TIN CUP
There. With equity and inventory
it's worth twelve grand... more or
less.
Doreen leans forward to examine the papers. She looks at
Tin Cup with surprise.
DOREEN
This is how you think you can
settle up? By deeding me your
driving range?
TIN CUP
Only on condition you don't sell
right away, and me'n Romeo keep
our jobs.
DOREEN
What in the world would I want
with your stupid driving range?
TIN CUP
Equity, inventory, cash flow...
not to mention an enhanced stature
in the community, and prepaid
membership in the Salome Chamber
of Commerce.
For a moment, Doreen can only stare dumbly at Tin Cup,
caught off guard by this unexpected turn of fortune. Then
she starts to consider the idea more seriously.
DOREEN
What are your labor costs?
(off no response
from Tin Cup)
Payroll, Roy. What do you pay
17.
your help?
TIN CUP
Let's see... the tractor kid gets
five bucks an hour. Romeo, he
gets ten cash --
DOREEN
What do you pay yourself?
TIN CUP
Myself?
Doreen nods in a way Tin Cup finds threatening.
DOREEN
To hit golf balls all day... when
you're not breaking for beers or
corn dogs or to gather the guys
and lay bets on which crow flies
off the fence next.
TIN CUP
You're referring to my managerial
salary?
DOREEN
I'm referring to every nickel you
snatch out of the till and every
bag of beer nuts you lift from the
rack, is what I'm referring to.
(beat)
I'll say it's worth ten and you
still owe me two.
She smiles, he sighs.
CUT TO:
11 EXT. PAWN SHOP - MORNING 11
Tin Cup parks his big old red Cadillac convertible out
front. He goes around to the trunk, opens it, takes out
his golf clubs, and carries them into the pawn shop.
CUT TO:
12 EXT. DRIVING RANGE - RIDGE - PARKED WINNEBAGO - MORNING 12
Tin Cup's domicile, parked near a slow-moving river. The
red Cadillac is parked out front next to Romeo's Mercury
Comet.
ROMEO (V.O.)
(with horror, inside
18.
the Winnebago)
You hocked your golf clubs?!
A13 INT. WINNEBAGO - DAY A13
Tin Cup sits on the couch, swigging Maalox.
TIN CUP
I still got two grand to pay off.
And I can't see my new salary of
seven bucks an hour plus lessons
getting it done.
ROMEO
But your clubs are your livelihood.
TIN CUP
Well the hood ain't too lively at
the moment.
A CAR HORN SOUNDS from outside.
TIN CUP
Whoever it is, tell 'em I'm in
Houston on business.
Romeo opens the door, and steps outside.
ROMEO
David Simms! What you doing in
town?
Romeo steps outside to greet Simms. Warily.
CUT TO:
13 EXT. WINNEBAGO - DAY 13
Romeo and Simms under the awning. A spiffy new car
parked nearby.
DAVID SIMMS, 38, looking every bit like the successful
tour pro he is... Payne Stewart to Tin Cup's Maynard G.
Krebs.
SIMMS
Romeo! It's been awhile. Is
Tin Cup around?
Romeo is evasive.
ROMEO
He's on business in Houston... You
supposed to be out playin' on the
golf tour.
19.
SIMMS
(unfazed)
Well, you tell him I'm in town for
my big charity best-ball
tournament, and I got a spot for
him when he comes back from...
whatever.
ROMEO
You got a spot for Tin Cup? I
thought you hated him.
SIMMS
Romeo! You wound me. I'm fond
of the guy, going way back to our
days at University of Houston,
when we won all those titles
together.
ROMEO
He says he carried you on his
back.
Simms won't be drawn into this adolescent competition --
he's too comfortable with himself and his success.
SIMMS
I didn't have much craft back
then -- just a little native
ability. Roy's a great ball-
striker....
ROMEO
Why you here?
SIMMS
I want to win my own tournament,
and he can help me if we can
manage to behave like grownups
together. Tell him that.
Tin Cup suddenly appears in the doorway.
TIN CUP
What's the catch?
SIMMS
There is no catch. I put together
a tournament with an elite field
and a half-million dollar purse,
and I'm tired of seeing all the
money head out of town.
TIN CUP
Then make more birdies.
20.
SIMMS
I need you on my team.
TIN CUP
You ain't that friendly a guy...
SIMMS
We're playing Cottonwood where you
once shot fifty-nine, where you
can shoot sixty-five in your sleep
'cuz you know every bump on every
fairway, every subtle break on
every green --
TIN CUP
(warily)
You an' me --
SIMMS
Me an' you -- like the old days.
Tin Cup can't quite believe this offer from his old
nemesis but there aren't many options out there. He
grabs Simms's hand and starts pumping it, gushing
with enthusiasm.
TIN CUP
... Well, put 'er there, partner!
These two homeboys are gonna show
the world what golf in West Texas
is all about!
SIMMS
No, Roy. I didn't mean I want you
to play with me. I just want you
to caddie for me, read my putts,
club me, that kinda stuff.
Tin Cup wilts like a time-lapsing daisy. His hand falls
free of Simms's. Words fail him.
ROMEO
You son of a bitch.
TIN CUP
(to himself, blankly)
Caddie? Me?
SIMMS
I can't bring a guy in off the
street to play in my tournament.
It's a big-time event, corporate
sponsors, thirty dollar tickets...
I got a network to cover --
ROMEO
(interrupting,
21.
outraged)
This guy off the street, he could
kick your ass on that golf course.
Like he kicked your ass in junior
golf. Like he kicked your ass in
college. Like --
SIMMS
I'll pay you a hundred for the
loop, five percent of any
earnings --
ROMEO
Get the hell outta here! Take
your goddamn color coordinated
corporate sponsored soul and get
outta here.
SIMMS
Okay, okay, just thought I'd offer
you some work...
Simms heads to his car.
TIN CUP
Simms!
SIMMS
(stops)
What?
TIN CUP
I'll take the job.
ROMEO
We'll take the job.
Simms nods in agreement, and exits. Tin Cup stands there
with Romeo, feeling humiliated.
POV SHOT - SIMMS
drives away down the road.
TIN CUP (O.S.)
That man stands for everything I
hate in life.
ROMEO (O.S.)
You mean like... success?
CUT TO:
14 EXT. COTTONWOOD GOLF COURSE CHARITY EVENT - DAY 14
22.
Banners and galleries and concession tents create the
atmosphere of a polite circus.
A15 EXT. COTTONWOOD GOLF COURSE CHARITY EVENT - 16TH GREEN A15
- DAY
BILLY MAYFAIR putts out on the 16th green to polite
applause.
B15 EXT. COTTONWOOD GOLF COURSE - 16TH TEE - DAY B15
The two twosomes tee off and the caddies follow,
including Tin Cup.
15 EXT. COTTONWOOD - 16TH FAIRWAY - DAY 15
A leader board reads: SIMMS/STADLER -10, MICKELSON/
MCCORD -8.
A giant gallery lines the fairway and rings the distant
green which is fronted by a lake, as:
STADLER hits a three wood toward the green -- the BALL
PLUNKS in the middle of the lake. The GALLERY GROANS.
Stadler just shrugs to Simms, as if to say, "I thought I
had enough club."
SIMMS
Like I told you, it was more'n
you had in the bag.
STADLER
Yeah, well... I had to go for it
after your caddy said he could
get home from here.
Simms swivels his head around to look at Tin Cup.
TIN CUP
I could.
Simms looks away, at the shot he's facing: a two hundred
fifteen yard carry over water. He looks back at Tin Cup,
shaking his head.
SIMMS
I gotta hand it to you, Roy. For
fifteen holes you've seemed to
grasp the concept here: I'm
trying to win and your job is to
help me.
23.
TIN CUP
Five percent of your earnings does
numb the gag reflex.
SIMMS
Give me the seven iron. I'm
laying up.
TIN CUP
You can make that shot.
SIMMS
The smart play's to lay up.
TIN CUP
These fans didn't pay thirty bucks
to watch a tour star lay up on a
short par five.
SIMMS
I'm sitting on a two shot lead
with three to go, and my partner's
in his pocket. Suddenly, par's a
good number. Gimme the seven
Iron.
TIN CUP
No way. You're going for the
green. These fans paid good money
to see golf shots they can't hit,
not golf shots they feel shitty
about themselves for having to
hit.
Simms reaches for the seven iron. Tin Cup clamps a hand
over the club.
TIN CUP
Thirteen years on tour and you're
still a pussy. Hit the fucking
one iron, Dave.
SIMMS
Thirteen years in a driving range
and you still think this game's
about your testosterone count.
Simms removes Tin Cup's hand from the seven iron and
grabs the club, stepping up to address the ball. Tin Cup
mutters to the gallery.
TIN CUP
Two-fifteen to carry, and the tour
star's laying up.
And the remark summons gallery voices suddenly urging
Simms to go for the green. Simms motions for Tin Cup, as
24.
if reconsidering.
SIMMS
But if you're gonna editorialize,
do it on the other side of the
ropes. I got no qualms about
firing your ass right here, right
now.
TIN CUP
Fire me? Hell, I should fire you.
Simms steps back to his ball with the seven iron, and:
16 Stadler's still standing back where he hit the shot into 16
the lake. MICKELSON and GARY McCORD, the other team in
the pairing, are there with him. Romeo, Stadler's caddie,
stands just behind them.
McCORD
(to Mickelson)
I know you could knock it on from
here, I'm just saying that caddie's
been drinking muddy water if he
thinks he can.
ROMEO
He can.
All the players look at Romeo as:
Simms dumps his seven iron shot safely down in front of
the water to a smattering of polite applause.
Simms tosses the club back to his bag as Tin Cup
retrieves the divot. And:
STADLER
Hey, Dave! We in a hurry?
Simms looks several yards back where Stadler is still
standing with McCord and Mickelson.
STADLER
'Cause I just bet McCord and
Mickelson that your caddie could
knock it on from here.
SIMMS
We're trying to win a tournament,
pardo.
STADLER
I know. But I'm getting five to
one.
25.
17 EXT. TV TOWER 17
The ANNOUNCER from the GOLF CHANNEL looks at the monitor
where a hand-held camera is picking up Stadler motioning
Tin Cup over.
GOLF CHANNEL ANNOUNCER
From two-fifty from a snarly lie,
over water, on national TV, with
no warmup... I'd give ten to one
to a tour pro.
18 BACK TO COURSE 18
Stadler, McCord, and Mickelson are smiling at the bet.
This is golf. But Simms snarls at being challenged.
Stadler drops a ball in the rough for Tin Cup to hit.
STADLER
Here ya go. Take a hack at it.
SIMMS
Balls versus brains, Roy. You
hit that shot, just keep walking,
'cuz your ass is fired.
Tin Cup mulls over the warning, as:
STADLER, McCORD, MICKELSON
Come on, Roy! Your fans are
calling!
Stadler waves his arms to summon a cheer from the gallery.
Tin Cup puts down Simms's golf bag.
TIN CUP
How you gonna fire me in front of
all these people? Especially when
I knock it on the green.
And he heads over to where Stadler and the others stand
waiting.
19 OMITTED 19
PETER KOSTIS, with a hand mike, following the group,
begins to describe the extraordinary event unfolding.
KOSTIS
(on mike)
It seems like the Charity
Tournament is taking a little
26.
break for a side bet, here --
Gary McCord moves toward the camera and takes the
microphone.
McCORD
Peter, I've done a little
background here -- this unfolding
disaster's a driving range pro
named Roy McAvoy, who everyone
calls Tin Cup. Locals claim he
he was a pretty good college lick
and knocked around the mini-tours...
20 Tin Cup steps up to hit the shot. McCord lowers his 20
voice.
McCORD
... but I guarantee you, he's
about to suffer brain arrest.
He's thinking about the cameras
and the gallery and the water, and
all that gray matter between his
ears is turning to goo... and
incidentally, Stadler's got it booked
at ten to one...
Tin Cup swings, and:
21 The CAMERA PICKS UP the ball arching high and true off 21
the club. It lands on the green. The CROWD ROARS... and
the roar becomes deafening as the ball rolls three feet
from the pin.
KOSTIS AND McCORD
He's not that good... he's
definitely not that good... (etc.)
22 BACK TO the course -- a scuffle's breaking out. 22
David Simms helping some guy over the gallery rope.
Simms walks the guy back to his golf bag... and now Tin
Cup understands what's happening, and:
SIMMS
Take a hike, Roy -- the loop's
over.
TIN CUP
You can't fire me. How can you
fire me? I just knocked it stiff
from two fifty. Gimme that bag.
Tin Cup reaches for the bag. The guy holds onto it.
They wrestle briefly, as Simms sighs with fatigue and
looks for a marshal.
27.
SIMMS
Security!
Tin Cup gives up wrestling when he sees a couple marshals
approaching. He turns his anger on Simms.
TIN CUP
What about my money?
SIMMS
You just hit the shot that took
you out of the money. Welcome to
life on the tour.
Tin Cup goes after the bag again. The guy still hangs
on. The marshals arrive, and begin to wrestle with Tin
Cup. He goes berserk... a WWF battle royal.
CUT TO:
23 INT. DRIVING RANGE BAR - CLOSE ON TELEVISION - NIGHT 23
Sports highlights. Introducing "Sports Machine" with
George Michaels...
GEORGE MICHAELS (V.O.)
And finally Sports Machine brings
you a bizarre incident...
A brief highlight of Tin Cup, going crazy, wrestling with
the marshals and replacement caddie.
GEORGE MICHAELS (V.O.)
Driving range pro, Roy `Tin Cup'
McAvoy...
MALE LAUGHTER greets the shot, and:
EARL (O.S.)
Hey, Tin Cup! You made the news!
WIDER
The Regulars crowd under the TV on the wall above the
till, hooting at what they just saw. Tin Cup is nowhere
in sight.
24 INT. BACK ROOM - NIGHT 24
Romeo scoops balls into wire buckets from the garbage can
of water where the balls are washing. Tin Cup sits on a
bench, alternately swigging cheap whiskey and Maalox.
28.
TIN CUP
If I had it all to do over, I'd
still hit that shot.
ROMEO
(nods with neither
rancor nor irony)
The look comes over your face, you
would bury yourself alive to prove
you can handle a shovel.
Tin Cup looks over at Romeo for signs of an implied
pejorative. But Romeo's just washing and scooping
balls... and looking badly in need of perspective.
TIN CUP
You know why I'd still hit that
shot?
Now Romeo looks over... and he decides that Tin Cup is
the one in need of perspective.
ROMEO
'Cuz it's the only way you can
beat David Simms. 'Cuz you never
got over that he is on tour and
you are not. 'Cuz you get that
look on your face...
TIN CUP
No...
(pauses, adding
weight to his
thoughts)
I'd hit it again because that shot
was a defining moment. And when a
defining moment comes along you
define the moment or the moment
defines you. I did not shrink
from the challenge. I rose to it.
Romeo nods, holding his peace.
ROMEO
1981, Fort Washington Golf Club,
Fresno, California, final round of
the Tour Qualifying School...
Tin Cup cringes at the memory, then moves for the high
ground.
TIN CUP
I was playing to win.
ROMEO
A defining moment when you tried
to hit the same impossible cut
29.
three wood into the wind from a
hilly lie -- four in a row out of
bounds -- until you finally pulled
it off and tapped in for a
thirteen.
(beat)
When a twelve woulda got you on
the tour! That was a defining
moment and the definition was
shit!
TIN CUP
Greatness courts failure, Romeo.
That's why most people, in their
whole lives, never ever reach for
the brass ring, never know when to
dig deep and try for the
impossible shot...
ROMEO
You're right about that, boss, but
sometimes... sometimes... par is
good enough to win.
Tin Cup tosses down another Maalox cocktail.
CUT TO:
25 EXT. GOLDEN TASSEL - NIGHT 25
Parking lot full of the usual suspects as a BUMP AND
GRIND VERSION of "YELLOW ROSE OF TEXAS" floods outside.
26 INT. GOLDEN TASSEL - NIGHT 26
Doreen dances in a yellow rose outfit, a more classic
strip look than her protegees.
CLOSE ON ROW OF DOLLAR BILLS
held aloft by the eager locals in the front row... and
then a handful of papers held aloft by one Roy McAvoy,
also in the front row.
Doreen dances over and picks the papers from his hand,
reading them as she dances.
DOREEN
The DieHard/West Texas Calcutta,
the Duvall County Boys Club Pro/
Scratch, Woody's Steak House One
Club Scramble... what do I want
with all these entry forms?
30.
TIN CUP
It's a business proposition. I'm
offering you my winnings from all
them tournaments this summer.
DOREEN
In exchange for what?
TIN CUP
My driving range back.
She dances away from him, not exactly sold on the idea.
She dances back to him, reclines a leg on the partition,
and moves her face opposite his.
DOREEN
Roy, I'm not as dumb as my hair
makes me look.
TIN CUP
They ain't all strictly minor
league. One of 'em pays almost
two grand!
She twirls off. He chases her, beer and entries in hand.
TIN CUP
Now wait, Doreen. You gotta do
the math, and you gotta look at
how good I'm playing. I hit the
shot of the tournament at the
best-ball. They put it on
national TV.
DOREEN
I saw.
TIN CUP
And what does that tell you?
The MUSIC comes to an END. The club is momentarily
silent.
TIN CUP
(shouting)
And what does that tell you?
DOREEN
It tells me you took an
unauthorized day off. Next time
it happens, you're fired. In the
meantime, I'm putting in a time
clock.
TIN CUP
I'm not punching in no time
31.
clock like some working stiff!
CUT TO:
27 INT. DRIVING RANGE - NEXT DAY 27
Tin Cup punches the new time clock which is located
under the awning near the ball wash.
KACHUNK goes the TIME CLOCK as he hurries outside --
29 EXT. DRIVING RANGE - DAY 29
-- and there he finds Molly, waiting on the tee with her
driver and a bucket of balls.
TIN CUP
Am I early?
MOLLY
Mr. McAvoy, I can appreciate that
you have a fairly laid-back,
relaxed lifestyle -- but I have
hours to keep.
TIN CUP
A former paramour once ascribed my
fluid sense of time to being born
under the sign of Pisces --
something about floating through
the universe --
He tees a ball for her and steps back. She's staring at
him, half-amused.
MOLLY
You amuse me, Roy. But I'm the
only woman in America born after
World War II who thinks astrology
is a crock of shit.
(beat)
Now let's see if the Big Dog'll
eat.
TIN CUP
Waggle.
MOLLY
I'm waggling...
TIN CUP
Set up to the ball like I showed
you last time.
Molly addresses the shot. Her stance is rigid, overly
32.
mechanical. Tin Cup winces. But she looks terrific.
TIN CUP
Quit trying to wring that club's
neck, Molly. Show it a little
warmth and compassion...
He moves around behind her to reposition her shoulders.
TIN CUP
Remember, this game's about trust
and touch and letting go. So
while I'm subtly enhancing your
technical prospects, why don't you
tell me all about your personal
life...
MOLLY
It's none of your fucking
business, Roy.
Tin Cup's hands move down to square her hips. He's
discreet and professional.
TIN CUP
Your boyfriend's a golfer --
that's my bet -- and he's why
you're taking this game up.
Hell, I probably even know
him --
SIMMS (O.S.)
Get your hands off her ass, Roy.
And, as Tin Cup's hands recoil in alarm...
DAVID SIMMS steps onto the range.
MOLLY
(to Simms)
Hi, sweetie...
TIN CUP
Not him...
CLOSE ON TIN CUP
Crushed and bewildered.
CLOSE ON SIMMS
A killer smile. The man is absolutely at ease with his
own success and charm.
CUT TO:
33.
30 EXT. WINNEBAGO - NIGHT 30
A shadow paces across the drape in the lighted window.
TIN CUP (O.S.)
He's taking her to Miami for the
fucking Doral! How am I supposed
to compete with that?
31 INT. WINNEBAGO - NIGHT 31
Romeo ponders Tin Cup's dilemma from the couch.
ROMEO
Man, you are having a bad week.
TIN CUP
She must think I'm such a nothing,
such a loser... a lousy driving
range pro living in a Winnebago,
making five bucks an hour plus
lessons.
ROMEO
She don't know you live in a
Winnebago.
TIN CUP
Well, she sure as hell knows I
ain't taking her to no Doral for
massages and mimosas all weekend.
I gotta do something with my life.
He reflects deeply while Romeo shrugs.
TIN CUP
I gotta rise to a level worthy of
the women that think I'm a joke.
ROMEO
Well... you could go out and win
The Open.
TIN CUP
(pausing, as
if jarred)
Romeo, that idea has promise.
ROMEO
I was joking.
TIN CUP
I ain't.
34.
ROMEO
We talking about the same
tournament? The U.S. Open? The
Biggest golf tournament in the
world?
TIN CUP
Not just the biggest golf
Tournament in the world; the most
democratic.
ROMEO
What do you mean?
TIN CUP
I mean it's open. Anyone's got a
shot at it. You just gotta get
past a local and a sectional
qualifier, and unlike Doral or
Colonial or the A.T.T., they can't
keep you out. They can't ask you
if you're a garbageman or a bean-
picker or a driving range pro
whose check is signed by a
stripper. You qualify, you're in.
ROMEO
And then you pay out of your own
pocket to go there and get all
nervous and intimidated --
TIN CUP
Who's intimidated? I just told
you I'm gonna win the damn thing!
ROMEO
You don't got the game.
TIN CUP
I got every shot in the book.
ROMEO
I said you don't got the game.
The mental game. The head game.
TIN CUP
You suggesting I err on the side
of excess?
ROMEO
You always go out to shoot zero.
Sometimes you pull it off. But
you can't play like that at the
Open. You win by taking what the
course gives you. You win by
being humble, which you aren't,
and patient, which you never will
35.
be.
Tin Cup comes over to the couch, sits down, and puts an
arm around Romeo.
TIN CUP
Well, since you're the authority,
How'd you like to teach me how to
be what I ain't and never will be?
ROMEO
You don't ever listen to me.
TIN CUP
This time'll be different. I
promise.
ROMEO
I don't know, man. Right now you
don't even got the money to get
your clubs out of hock.
TIN CUP
Yeah, well... my sticks may be in
a pawn shop, but I got a rake and
a hoe at the range.
CUT TO:
32 EXT. MESQUITE COUNTRY CLUB - DAY 32
Expensive cars in the parking lot -- A putting green in
b.g.
CLOSE ON TRUCK OF MERCEDES
The trunk opens. A set of expensive golf clubs is
removed by a wealthy looking guy, BOONE, 40'S. He
turns to face Tin Cup and Romeo who is reaching into
the trunk of Roy's Cadillac.
BOONE
Let me get this straight -- you're
going to play me for four hundred
dollars with those?
Romeo removes an old golf bag from the trunk. It
contains a rake, a hoe, a baseball bat, and assorted
garden tools.
TIN CUP
And I'll give ya two a side... I
got the title to my car as
collateral.
36.
BOONE
I'm not interested in that piece
of shit.
TIN CUP
That's cuz you think of it as
transportation, Boone. Think of
it as bragging rights. Think of
yourself sitting around the bar
crowing to your buddies about the
Cadillac you won off Tin Cup
McAvoy.
(the real kicker)
They'll forget all about the
Winnebago you lost to me.
CUT TO:
33 EXT. MESQUITE COUNTRY CLUB - FIRST TEE - MORNING 33
Boone addresses the ball on the first tee.
BOONE
No mullies, no gimmes, no bumping
the ball --
And he rips a drive down the fairway.
BOONE
Nutted it.
Tin Cup selects the baseball bat from his golf bag.
Romeo hands him a pink ball and Tin Cup shows it to
Boone.
TIN CUP
I'll be playing a Pink Lady today.
BOONE
That little pink fag ball supposed
to rattle me?
Tin Cup moves over to the tee markers.
TIN CUP
Not unless I knock it by you.
And he tosses up the Pink Lady and fungoes it long and
straight down the fairway.
CUT TO:
34 EXT. MESQUITE FIRST FAIRWAY - DAY 34
Tin Cup stops at his ball, and looks twenty yards back to
37.
where Boone has arrived with his caddie at his drive.
TIN CUP
Yep, I caught this thing way the
Hell on the toe.
Boone knocks an iron onto the edge of the green.
BOONE
Drive for show, putt for dough, big
shot.
TIN CUP
Did you hear that, Romeo? Boone
was being profound! He has
revealed to me the essential
mystery of golf! Drive for show,
putt for dough...
(holds out
a palm)
Louisville Slugger, please.
Boone's a little rattled by Tin Cup's insouciance.
ROMEO
You got Boone shakin' already --
(studying the
approach)
Front left bunker's your best
angle to the pin.
TIN CUP
(calling his shot)
Front left bunker -- plugged lie.
He tosses up the ball and fungoes a lazy fly ball.
CUT TO:
35 EXT. MESQUITE 1ST GREEN AND SAND TRAP - DAY 35
Boone gazes with malicious delight at Tin Cup's ball,
buried in the front left bunker. He watches Tin Cup take
the hoe from Romeo and move down into the trap.
BOONE
I want to see a legitimate swing.
No scooping.
Tin Cup holds up a hand like a gallery marshal requesting
silence.
TIN CUP
Stand, please. Gallery, please,
stand.
38.
He addresses the ball, choking down on the hoe,
positioning the blade at an odd angle. He hacks at the
ball with an unorthodox chopping motion. The ball pops
up in the air, lands on the green, releases and rolls up
a foot from the hole.
Boone's jaw drops. Tin Cup hit an impossible shot with
utter ease and facility.
TIN CUP
I'll finish.
Tin Cup trades Romeo the shovel for the rake, takes the
pin out of the hole, and pool cues the putt home. Par.
Boone looks at his own sixty-foot putt and he knows he's
just been had... utterly, embarrassingly, and thoroughly.
Without a word he counts four hundred dollars from his
roll and drops it on the green.
BOONE
Get the hell off my course.
38 EXT. PAWN SHOP - DAY 38
Tin Cup and Romeo emerge, Romeo carrying T.C.'s sticks.
TIN CUP
Listen, swami, your job is to
teach me patience and humility,
not to advise me on my love life.
ROMEO
No. My job is to get your head
straight so you can qualify for
The Open, much less win it. To
get your head straight you got to
forget about the doctor lady.
They head up the street under a collonade toward Tin
Cup's waiting Caddy.
TIN CUP
Not all my thinking occurs below
the belt. I actually stand for a
few things beside where my next
romantic interlude is coming from.
ROMEO
Then you got no problem telling
the doctor lady you can't teach
her no more till after the Open.
Tin Cup blinks silently a moment, feeling slightly cornered.
39.
TIN CUP
That would make an issue of
something that ain't an issue.
Besides, I'm focused.
Romeo responds with a Spanish curse.
TIN CUP
I mean, this is my quest!
ROMEO
Ahhh... your quest... chingaso...
TIN CUP
This is where I stand up for all
the little guys everywhere who've
had their fill of soulless robots
like David Simms --
ROMEO
He may be a soulless robot but
he's a rich, happy soulless robot
with a beautiful doctor lady
girlfriend who's got you by the
huevos --
(beat)
Besides, how is getting into the
U.S. Open gonna change what she
thinks about you?
TIN CUP
It'll prove to her that I'm not
who she thinks I am.
ROMEO
But you are who she thinks you
are! Look, I don't bet on a
horse with a hard-on.
TIN CUP
Hard-on?! Hard-on?! Hard-on?!
Here, touch me, feel --
(as Tin Cup grabs
himself)
I don't feel nothing! Here!
ROMEO
(embarrassed)
Hey, hey... shit... cool it...
39 Suddenly a convertible passes -- Simms and Molly, 39
laughing, carefree, enjoying each other. The couple in
the car doesn't see Tin Cup grabbing his crotch making
a fool of himself on the sidewalk -- but Tin Cup and
Romeo see them.
40.
The car disappears down the street. Tin Cup cools off,
chilled, really -- and full of chagrin.
TIN CUP
Okay, okay... maybe I got a semi.
CUT TO:
40 INT. GOLDEN TASSEL - DOREEN'S DRESSING ROOM - NIGHT 40
Doreen's on the phone, between shows, and is adamant.
DOREEN
I cannot give you time off to win
The Open. I don't care if it's
your 'quest'...
(listens)
... or your 'destiny'...
(listens)
... or any of those terms you
vaguely remember from your Cliff
Notes...
(listens)
You shoulda treated me nicer when
we were an item -- then maybe I
wouldn't be such a nasty boss.
G'bye, Roy -- I have a business to
run.
She hangs up and heads out on stage as the music calls.
CUT TO:
41 INT. DRIVING RANGE - NIGHT 41
Tin Cup hangs up the phone and turns to Romeo.
TIN CUP
Man, ever since I let her dump my
ass she just can't resist kicking
me in it.
ROMEO
Maybe you should treat her more
like a lady.
TIN CUP
After she ran off with that Dallas
banker?
ROMEO
She did that after you let her
dump you. It wouldn't kill you
just once to tell her she's
beautiful, she can dance, she's
41.
sexy.
TIN CUP
Romeo... are you sweet on Doreen?
ROMEO
No more'n you are for that doctor
lady.
A couple of deep sighs. Two losers with fluttering
hearts.
TIN CUP
Great, Romeo, just great... just
when I need you to be my friend
and coach, you go get all gooey
about one of my ex-girlfriends
who just happens to be our boss.
ROMEO
Anybody comes to me for help on
their love life about women is
already too far gone.
TIN CUP
I don't recall asking you for
advice.
(beat)
Women are tougher to figure out
than a feathered one iron from a
tight lie --
Suddenly a golf image relaxes them into their comfort
zone.
ROMEO
Actually if you open the club face
a hair and play it off your back
foot --
TIN CUP
Shut up, Romeo... I wasn't really
seeking golf tips...
ROMEO
It's all I'm good for -- but you
can count on me for that, at
least.
TIN CUP
How far off the back foot?
ROMEO
'Bout three balls...
Silence. Golf is so much easier than life.
42.
TIN CUP
I'm ready to charge forth in
pursuit of my mythic destiny and I
can't get time off work to do it.
ROMEO
I'm no expert, but it seems to me
that the `pursuit of a person's
mythic destiny' is not the sort of
thing that a person needs to get
off a five dollar an hour job in
order to do...
TIN CUP
I'm stuck. Buried. My life's a
plugged lie in a kakuyi bunker
with a tight pin position on a
green with a stimp meter reading
of thirteen.
(beat)
I need help. I need advice. I
need counsel...
(beat)
I need a shrink.
ROMEO
You don't know no shrinks.
TIN CUP
I know one.
ROMEO
Not the doctor lady?
TIN CUP
Why not?
ROMEO
You can't ask advice about the
woman you're trying to hose from
the woman you're trying to hose!
TIN CUP
Hose?! Hose?! Get your mouth
outta the gutter! This is a
matter of the heart!
CUT TO:
A42 EXT. MAIN STREET (SALOME) - DAY A42
Tin Cup's Caddy pulls up and he gets out, goes to the
front of a store that is now a health services office.
He looks around warily -- as if someone might see him
entering such a place -- and ducks inside.
43.
CUT TO:
B42 INT. SMALL ROOM - DAY B42
It's the exit, "cool down" room, not the waiting room.
Tin Cup sits nervously, he's slightly overdressed for
the occasion. He looks childlike.
The door to the inner office opens -- a woman comes out
and sits down across from him. She's weeping
uncontrollably. He stares. He fidgets. He's nervous,
out of place.
Finally Molly enters through the same door because she
hears the crying. She sees Tin cup -- an awkward moment,
then --
TIN CUP
I didn't do anything!
MOLLY
I know... I know... wait in there.
Tin Cup slips into the main office while Molly consoles
the weeping woman.
CUT TO:
42 INT. MOLLY'S OFFICE - FEW BEATS LATER - DAY 42
Tin Cup is dutifully lying on the couch because he
heard that's what you do. He stares at the ceiling.
Molly enters and sits down.
MOLLY
Roy... are you okay?
TIN CUP
I need therapy.
MOLLY
Obviously.
TIN CUP
What do I do? I mean... to do it
... therapy... I mean, how do I
start doing... it.
MOLLY
In parlance you might understand,
just kick back and let the Big Dog
eat.
He sighs and plunges in.
44.
TIN CUP
Okay, okay, let 'er rip...
(deep breath)
Suppose there's this guy. He's
standing on the shore of a big,
wide river. And the river's fulla
all manner of disaster, like
alligators and piranhas and
currents and eddies, and most
people won't even go down there to
dip a toe. But on the other side
of the river's a million dollars,
and on this side of the river
there's a rowboat. I guess my
question's this: What would
possess the guy on shore to swim
for it?
MOLLY
He's an idiot.
TIN CUP
No. He's a hell of a swimmer,
see. His problem's more like...
why's he always gotta rise to the
challenge?
MOLLY
He's a juvenile idiot.
TIN CUP
You don't understand what I mean
by the river.
MOLLY
We're talking about you and what
you like to call your inner
demons, Roy, that human frailty
you like to blather about, not
some mytho-poetic metaphor you
come up with in a feeble and
transparent effort to do yourself
credit.
TIN CUP
Y'mean you're gonna make me feel
lousy? I came here to feel better
-- what kinda therapy is this?
MOLLY
You don't have any inner demons.
What you have is inner crapola,
inner debris -- garbage, loose
wires, horseshit in staggering
amounts.
45.
TIN CUP
I ain't just some jerk driving-
range pro who drinks too much
booze and eats too few vegetables.
MOLLY
You're being defensive -- cut to
the chase and tell me why you're
here.
TIN CUP
Well... I'm smitten with a woman.
MOLLY
That's good. Is she smitten with
you?
TIN CUP
Not yet.
MOLLY
Have you asked her out?
TIN CUP
She's seeing a guy. I don't know
how serious it is, but the guy's a
real horse's ass, in my opinion...
MOLLY
If you shared your heart with this
woman -- maybe asked her out to
dinner -- then it would force
these issues out in the open.
TIN CUP
I'm afraid she'll say no.
MOLLY
Ahh... so what you're saying is
that all your speeches about
swimming across the shark infested
waters are really just about your
golf game -- not about your
personal life.
TIN CUP
Christ, I didn't know we were
gonna get into my personal life!
MOLLY
This is therapy!
TIN CUP
Well, jeez, I know, but I didn't
think it was that kind of
therapy...
46.
MOLLY
What were you expecting? Ann
Landers?
TIN CUP
Yeah.
MOLLY
Look, it's rather simple. Those
risks that you love to take on the
golf course, the risks you talk so
passionately and poetically about
-- you need to apply those risks
to your personal life with the
same passion.
TIN CUP
I should ask this woman out.
MOLLY
Yes!
TIN CUP
I should risk coming right over
the top and snap-hooking it out of
bounds left.
MOLLY
Yes!
TIN CUP
Risk hitting it a little thin
and --
MOLLY
For Godsakes, Roy, that's enough!
TIN CUP
Right. Sorry.
MOLLY
S'okay...
(beat)
Look, just walk up to this woman,
wherever she is, look her in the
eye with those big beautiful green
eyes of yours, let down your guard
and don't try to be smooth or cool
or whatever -- just be honest and
take the risk -- you can do it!
Tin Cup rises with new confidence. He does several deep
breathing exercises, trying to work up the courage. She
stares at him. And he walks right up to her.
TIN CUP
Dr. Griswold -- I think I'm in
47.
love with you.
Molly is stunned.
MOLLY
What?!
TIN CUP
From the moment I first saw you I
knew I was through with bar girls
and strippers and motorcycle
chicks, and when you started
talking I was smitten and I'm
smitten more every day I think
about you -- and the fact that
you know I'm full of crapola
only makes you more attractive
to me because usually I can
bullshit people but I can't
bullshit you and in addition, most
women I'm thinking about how to get
into their pants from Day One but
with you I'm just thinking about
how to get into your heart --
Molly was clue-less. She just stares.
MOLLY
My God...
TIN CUP
(optimistically,
proudly)
Stunned, eh? So what about dinner
and we can talk about `us' and if
we have a future and how to drop
that horse's ass boyfriend of
yours --
MOLLY
Roy, slow down --
TIN CUP
Hey! I just hit a eight degree
driver off a cart path here, I'm
staring eagle in the face --
MOLLY
This is a terrible mistake!
Tin Cup is knocked off his horse. Into deep rough.
TIN CUP
I'm acting from the heart so I
can't make a mistake?! Right?
48.
MOLLY
Wrong. Aw, shit...
(beat)
I am one horrible shrink...
jeez... I didn't know you were
talking about me.
TIN CUP
Would your advice have been
different?
She's frustrated and at a loss for words.
MOLLY
Session's over. You better leave.
Crushed, Tin Cup heads to the door, stops and turns.
TIN CUP
I'm gonna qualify for the U.S.
Open and kick your boyfriend's
ass.
MOLLY
Please leave.
TIN CUP
Whatever you think of me, you
should know that your boyfriend
hates old people, children, and
dogs.
He exits. She just sits there.
CUT TO:
43 EXT. DRIVING RANGE - HIGH ANGLE - NIGHT 43
The lone figure of Tin Cup stands on a tee, arching SEVEN
IRONS -- THWOCK! -- into the night, serenaded by CRICKETS
and the occasional BUG-LIGHT ZAPPING a fly.
Romeo and the regulars stand behind Tin Cup observing
approvingly. Tin Cup mutters something with every swing.
It sounds like he's saying --
TIN CUP
(just before
swinging)
Dollar bills...
Tin Cup hits another shot, totally focused.
TIN CUP
Dollar bills...
49.
ROMEO
How'd it go with the doctor lady,
boss?
TIN CUP
If she was a par three, I'd'a made
a nine.
ROMEO
Stroke and distance, eh?
TIN CUP
(nods, deep in
concentration)
Dollar bills...
Romeo backs off to let the man practice, and Clint asks:
CLINT
What's he saying?
ROMEO
Dollar bills. His divots got to
look like dollar bills. 'Course
Moe Norman hits divots like bacon
strips 'cuz he come over the top,
but that's gettin' too technical
for you.
Clint turns and nods approvingly to the rest of the
regulars.
CLINT
See that, boys? He's hitting
dollar bills. Tightening his
game.
They murmur approval, but Earl catches Clint's eye and
jerks his head at Tin Cup, indicating Clint isn't doing
his job as group spokesman. Clint takes a step forward.
CLINT
Uh, something us shitheels want
you to know, Tin Cup, is uh, well,
we been to see Doreen, and we told
her we'd stage a customer's strike
if she didn't give you time off to
win the Open.
This remark penetrates Tin Cup's concentration. He turns
with a smile to the regulars.
TIN CUP
You perverts did that for me?
JOSE
We believe in you, man.
50.
EARL
And if you get past the local
qualifier, we gonna sponsor you.
Tin Cup looks at the beaming faces of the regulars and
smiles broadly.
TIN CUP
Thanks, boys -- a man couldn't
have better friends. Now move the
hell back and shut the fuck up.
You're messing up my
concentration.
And with big smiles, they move each other back so as not
to mess up Tin Cup's concentration. And he pulls out
another ball, mutters dollar bills, and hits another
perfect shot.
DISSOLVE TO:
44 EXT. DRIVING RANGE - NIGHT (LATER) 44
Everyone's gone home except Tin Cup, who keeps drilling
beautiful shots into the Texas night.
CUT TO:
45 EXT. ADJACENT HIGHWAY - NIGHT 45
A car is parked unnoticed. A figure sits alone, watching
Tin Cup from a distance. Molly.
MOLLY'S POV - SOLITARY FIGURE OF TIN CUP
With his elegant swing, as graceful as he is crude, a Zen
ritual. Finally, weary at last, Tin Cup tosses his club
in his bag and drags it toward his ever-present
Winnebago, which we see him enter.
CUT TO:
46 INT. WINNEBAGO - NIGHT 46
He drops his clubs on the couch. The place is a wreck,
and he collapses in a chair, CRACKING a CAN of cheap
BEER.
A KNOCK at the door. He's startled.
TIN CUP
Debt collection? Process server?
51.
Ex-flame? Jesus, I'm clean.
(disguises his
voice)
Who is it?
The door opens -- Molly enters. He's surprised but well-
settled into his bath of cynicism.
MOLLY
God, you've got a beautiful
swing --
TIN CUP
-- And big, beautiful green eyes
-- I'm a beautiful guy.
MOLLY
I came here to apologize.
TIN CUP
For what?
MOLLY
Well, I counseled you, you did
exactly what I said, and I just...
poured cold water over your
effort.
(quickly)
I didn't get it. I'm a terrible
shrink, probably... I should've
never got out of real estate --
actually I should never have
left Ohio for that cowboy in
Armarillo -- have you ever been
to Amarillo?
TIN CUP
A cowboy?
MOLLY
It's not as romantic when you're
actually with one -- a wrangler,
y'know -- so of course the oil
man in Dallas looked great after
that -- I don't know what I was
thinking... That's when I went to
the gulf and ended up in, well,
trailer sales and then all those
condos in Corpus Christi -- the
bottom fell outta the market and
I needed a new gig --
TIN CUP
A new gig?
MOLLY
Therapy. I took all the classes.
52.
I'm licensed, y'know.
(suddenly dejected)
Oh God...
(reaching into her
purse)
Mind if I smoke?
(lights up)
Anyway, I'm flattered you asked me
out. I can't accept because I am
involved with David and I haven't
seen any evidence that he treats
old people, kids or dogs badly.
TIN CUP
I got a little carried away, I
guess. I shoulda just layed up,
made my par, and moved on.
MOLLY
Look, I want to propose something
-- as long as you understand this
is professional -- we're not going
out together --
TIN CUP
Tee it up.
MOLLY
I can help you with the mental
aspects of the game. You've got
Romeo to be your swing doctor, I
can be your head doctor.
TIN CUP
But you said you were a lousy shrink?
MOLLY
Well, yeah... I'll improve.
TIN CUP
I got no money to pay for you.
MOLLY
I'll trade my services for golf
lessons and help you through the
qualifying. If you get into the
Open, well, you're on your own.
TIN CUP
You'll be with David.
MOLLY
Yeah...
Silence. A deal. It's the best they can do.
CUT TO:
53.
47 EXT. COTTONWOOD - FIRST TEE - MORNING 47
Local qualifier. The First Tee of the Local Open
Qualifier. And the voice of the starter.
STARTER (V.O.)
... the next group... Roy McAvoy,
Salome, Texas... who will be
playing with...
The regulars applaud and whistle and shout way too many
"You the man's!" as Tin Cup steps onto the first tee,
followed by his Sancho Panza, Romeo. Tin Cup is feeling
on top of the world, at his cocky best.
ROMEO
How ya feelin', boss?
TIN CUP
I'm feelin' like par's a bad
score, podnuh -- fifty-eight's
within the realm!
ROMEO
Jesus, the doctor lady's here --
POV SHOT - MOLLY
standing not far from the regulars.
TIN CUP
Didn't I tell ya? She's gonna be
your guru partner. You handle my
swing mechanics and she handles my
brain mechanics.
ROMEO
Long as you keep your dick out of
it --
TIN CUP
Me an' the 'big guy' have an
understanding. He's gonna lie low
till I get in the Open -- then...
then...
ROMEO
The Big Dog'll eat?
TIN CUP
The Big Dog'll hunt, that's for
sure...
Tin Cup steps up to the tee, a couple quick limber
54.
swings, and he tees it up. As he does, Romeo slips over
to Molly.
ROMEO
(softly)
Looks like we partners, Dr. Molly
--
MOLLY
I just have to help him keep his
head on straight --
ROMEO
If you can, you be the first.
MOLLY
He does have the occasional
tendency towards self-destruction
it seems.
ROMEO
It ain't occasional and it ain't
no tendency -- it's a fact of life
that he gonna blow sky high, it's
just a matter of when and how
fast can the pieces be put back
together.
(beat)
Behind that twinkle in his eyes is
nitroglycerin.
Tin Cup waves and motions to his team.
TIN CUP
Quiet in the gallery! A man's
trying to do his job.
And Tin Cup uncoils a mighty drive with an elegant
stroke, fully confident and smooth. The gallery
applauds.
TIN CUP
(generally
announcing)
Got my 'A' game with me today,
folks... you're in for a real
treat!
Molly leans to Romeo just before they all head down the
fairway and confides --
MOLLY
I find him mildly attractive when
he's obnoxious and arrogant like
this --
55.
ROMEO
Good. 'Cause it's his best
side...
And they head down the fairway, a scruffy little gallery
on a so-so course. With a lot at stake...
CUT TO:
48 MONTAGE OF TIN CUP'S FRONT NINE 48
He hits a perfect wedge -- and says to himself, Romeo,
Molly, the gallery, the universe --
TIN CUP
Dollar bills...
49 He nails a two iron straight as a string. 49
TIN CUP
Nutted it...
50 He rifles another drive into the stratosphere. 50
TIN CUP
Ben Hogan? Who's he?
51 Putt after putt drains into the jar. 51
52 CLOSE ON the SCOREBOARD -- The red numbers (under par) 52
are going up quickly as every shot he hits is dead, solid
perfect. Minus one, two, four, five, seven...
CUT TO:
53 EXT. COTTONWOOD LOCAL QUALIFIER - TENTH TEE - DAY 53
Tin Cup's in a zone, talking to himself, full of himself,
in a fabulous, indomitable state of mind.
Molly and Romeo keep looking at each other and shrugging,
Tin Cup's on a roll and needs no help. So far...
A couple of the regulars shout out encouragement.
CLINT/EARL
You the man, Tin Cup! You the
man!
ROMEO
They bugging you, boss -- I can
shut 'em up?
TIN CUP
The way I'm swinging today,
56.
nothing bugs me -- except
insufficient applause.
(surveying the
fairway)
Gimme the lumber.
But Romeo is handing him a two iron.
ROMEO
I think two iron's safer.
TIN CUP
I said I want the Big Dog.
Romeo looks warily down the fairway of a tight dogleg
left par five.
ROMEO
Tight par five, out of bounds
left... you don't want to hit
driver.
TIN CUP
I'm not going left of those trees.
I'm going over those trees... with
a little draw. That way I get
home in two. That way I'm putting
for eagle.
ROMEO
You don't need eagle to qualify!
You need to get used to playing
smart -- no mistakes wins the
Open.
TIN CUP
Qualify? I want the course
record! Now gimme the lumber!
Tin Cup reaches for the driver. Romeo shifts the golf
bag beyond Tin Cup's reach.
ROMEO
You not going to listen to me?
You don't care I'm trying to help?
You think I'm full of shit?
TIN CUP
I think I'm gonna get penalized
for slow play if you don't give me
that fucking driver.
ROMEO
You a head case, boss, always
were, always will be.
57.
TIN CUP
Then let's ask the head doctor.
Dr. Griswold?
(to Molly)
Dr. Griswold, should I hit the Big
Dog or the two?
Suddenly an OFFICIAL steps forward.
P.G.A. OFFICIAL
Soliciting shot selection advice
is a two-stroke penalty.
MOLLY
Trust your feelings, Roy.
TIN CUP
(to Romeo)
Ha! Gimme the driver and shut up.
Romeo pulls out the driver and he snaps it in half over
his knee. He tosses the two halves on the ground near
Tin Cup.
ROMEO
... Go ahead. Hit the driver.
Tin Cup looks at the two halves of his driver, curbing
his anger, not giving Romeo the satisfaction of a
reaction.
TIN CUP
I changed my mind. Gimme the
three wood.
ROMEO
You can't clear the dogleg with a
three wood.
TIN CUP
Wanna bet?
Romeo pulls out the three wood, snaps it over his knee,
and tosses the halves on the ground next to the driver
halves. Tin Cup turns with amusement to his playing
partners, lest they think management has lost the upper
hand with labor.
TIN CUP
Guess I'm going with the safe
shot, boys.
Tin Cup reaches for the two iron, studies it a moment,
frowns, and then:
He snaps it over his knee. He dumps these halves on the
ground with the halves of the driver and three wood.
58.
Romeo stares, aghast. Tin Cup merely shrugs.
TIN CUP
Sometimes I fan that two iron.
Better gimme the three.
Romeo warily hands Tin Cup the three iron. Tin Cup looks
at it, frowns, then:
He snaps it over his knee and tosses it on the ground.
Molly leans over to the regulars.
MOLLY
Is this normal behavior for him?
EARL
The word 'normal' and him don't
collide in the same sentence too
often.
She watches in amazement as --
TIN CUP
Sometimes I catch that three a
little thin...
He drops the three iron halves with the other halves, and
steps past Romeo and sequentially yanks all but the seven
iron from his bag.
He snaps them over his knee, one by one, citing the
crimes of each club with mounting absurdity and ire.
TIN CUP
And I've hooked my four iron...
(snap)
... and hit flyers with the
five...
(snap)
... and shanked the six...
(snap)
... and skulled the eight...
(snap)
... and fatted the nine...
(snap)
... and chili-dipped the wedge...
(snap)
... and bladed the sand wedge...
(snap; then pauses
to reflect
contemptuously
on his putter)
... and then there's Mister
Three-putt...
He snaps the putter in half and dumps it in the pile of
59.
broken clubs at his feet.
Then, he reaches for the last club in his bag, the seven
iron. The regulars hold their breath, thinking this is
the end of Tin Cup's Open bid. But...
Tin Cup smiles and caresses the seven iron
affectionately.
TIN CUP
But the seven iron, I never miss
the seven iron. It's the only
truly safe club in my bag.
He moves to the tee, drops a ball, and hits it down the
middle with the seven iron.
TIN CUP
You happy, Romeo?
ROMEO
No, boss, I'm tired... my life's
too short to spend it watching you
fall apart. I done it too many
times.
Romeo turns and starts walking away.
TIN CUP
What's this? You're quitting?
First sign of adversity, you're
quitting?
(as Romeo
continues)
Anyone want to bet me I can't par
in with a seven iron?
(to Molly)
Doc? Take the bet?
MOLLY
Roy -- just shut up and hit the
ball.
CUT TO:
54 QUICK SERIES OF SHOTS 54
Tin Cup's magic with a seven iron. He drives with a
seven iron.
55 He chips with a seven iron. 55
56 He blasts out of sand with an open-bladed seven iron. 56
60.
CUT TO:
57 EXT. COTTONWOOD LOCAL QUALIFIER - EIGHTEENTH HOLE - DAY 57
Tin Cup drains a ten foot putt -- also with the seven
iron, and left-handed to boot. He's past the local
qualifier.
The regulars erupt in cheers. You'd have thought he won
the Masters.
And Tin Cup shrugs to the tiny gallery, with insouciance
and cockiness, and pronounces --
TIN CUP
An easy game, this golf...
CUT TO:
58 EXT. 19TH HOLE - OUTDOOR BAR - DAY (LATER) 58
Tin Cup holds court surrounded by his regulars and much
of the gallery. He's a local hero -- but Molly's not
impressed.
A WAITRESS delivers a tray of long neck beers.
19TH HOLE WAITRESS
Beer for everybody.
CLINT
You the man, Tin Cup!
A toast is raised to their king, and Tin Cup eats it up.
TIN CUP
Thanks, boys, what'ya think was my
best shot -- the seven iron on
twelve, the seven iron on
fourteen, or maybe it was the
bunker shot on eighteen which, to
my recollection was a -- seven iron?
Much laughter. This is the Tin Cup they love.
EARL
You definitely the man!
TIN CUP
How'd I do, Doc?
MOLLY
(cheerfully)
You failed miserably.
61.
TIN CUP
What?! I parred the back nine
with a seven iron, I qualified for
the regionals, I --
MOLLY
Your job is not just to qualify
for the Open, it's to prepare for
the Open. My job is to help you
prepare.
TIN CUP
You said to 'trust my feelings'!
MOLLY
I didn't know you felt like
breaking all the clubs in your
bag.
CLINT
He didn't break the seven!
EARL
He smoked that seven, brother --
MOLLY
From what I understand, the U.S.
Open is the most difficult golf
tournament in the world played
under the most difficult
circumstances with the greatest
players -- winning it means
controlling yourself, managing
your emotions, staying cool, not
getting in a pissing contest with
your caddie who, incidentally,
quit.
TIN CUP
He always quits, he always comes
back.
MOLLY
Nonetheless, from the mental
aspect -- which is my domain --
you have regressed and are
fumbling somewhere between
delusion and denial.
TIN CUP
'Regression, delusion, denial'?
You gotta use all this
psychological language?
MOLLY
I'm a psychologist.
62.
Tin Cup turns to the regulars for support.
VOICE (O.S.)
Have a bad day, Roy?
Everyone turns to see David Simms enter the conversation.
MOLLY
Hi, honey...
TIN CUP
I shot 65 -- parred the backside
with a seven iron.
SIMMS
(intrigued)
Why?
MOLLY
That's the question -- why?
Silence.
CLINT
'Cause he broke all his other
clubs.
EARL
Snapped 'em in two -- even the
putter.
SIMMS
Jesus, Roy, I'm on your side here.
We go way back... I hope you get
into the Open, but if you don't
play under control, you'll get
slaughtered. Good players shoot
82 in the Open. You can't always
go for it.
TIN CUP
Swear to God, Doc, this guy is
not who you think.
CLINT
It's a well-known fact that if a
camera's not on him, he treats old
people and children like dirt.
EARL
And dogs.
TIN CUP
Yeah, don't forget the dogs.
MOLLY
I think we should go, David.
63.
SIMMS
I think so...
Tin Cup's worst characteristics flare up, he won't let
go.
TIN CUP
You ever shoot par with a seven
iron?
SIMMS
It never occurred to me to try.
(to Molly)
C'mon, let's go. The car's over
here....
TIN CUP
I'll bet you a thousand dollars
against my car that I can beat you
in any game -- any game, you name
it -- with a seven iron.
SIMMS
This is ridiculous.
TIN CUP
You a coward? You gonna lay up
the way you did at the Masters
last year?
REGULARS
(taunting, like
children)
Chickie, chickie, chickie...
Simms is a little drawn in, not so much by the challenge
as the desire to shut up Tin Cup.
SIMMS
Any game, I name it?
MOLLY
Oh, come on, David --
SIMMS
I just want to teach him a lesson.
MOLLY
Why do men insist on measuring
their dicks?
Tin Cup takes her literally and rises, starting to
unbuckle his belt.
TIN CUP
Awright, awright! Let's measure,
64.
right now!
MOLLY
For God sakes, I wasn't being
literal!
(beat)
David, let's go.
SIMMS
Molly, trust me on this one. Call
it part of his mental preparation
for the Open, where the rough is
deep, the greens are slick, and
the nerves are shattered.
(to Tin Cup)
I'll take the bet.
MOLLY
Oh, jeez...
The Regulars cheer -- this is what they live for. Simms
hands a roll of cash to Molly. Tin Cup hands her his car
keys.
TIN CUP
Awright! What's the game?
SIMMS
One swing each. Who can hit the
longest seven iron --
TIN CUP
It's a lock! I hit the seven like
John Daly hits a three!
The Regulars whoop it up. Their man's a cinch. Tin Cup
pulls a ball from his pocket, drops it right on the
ground in the middle of the patio.
TIN CUP
From right here, okay?
SIMMS
Fine with me.
MOLLY
You guys are really being
childish --
SIMMS
Molly, leave this one to me.
TIN CUP
Dr. Griswold, I know what I'm
doing.
Tin Cup takes a couple of swings to limber up, aiming out
65.
onto an open area of the course. Serious, intent, the
look of eagles...
TIN CUP
(to himself)
Dollar bills...
He takes a full back-swing, opens beautifully, and
launches a seven iron like a rocket out toward some
driving range markers... to "oohs" and "ahhs" from his
faithful.
The ball lands at a 170 yard marker and bounces further.
CLINT
Them signs are at least thirty
yards farther -- that ball musta
gone 220...
TIN CUP
That ball's about 2-2-7... toed it
a bit... but it'll do...
REGULARS
Nearly 230 with a seven! Pureed
it, baby, he pureed it!
Tin Cup hands Simms the seven iron.
TIN CUP
Take a minute to limber up, fine
with me --
SIMMS
Don't need to.
Simms is still in a sport jacket, slacks, no golf shoes.
TIN CUP
Take your jacket off?
SIMMS
No, no, I'm fine.
Simms drops a ball about where Tin Cup's sat. He stands
above the ball and addresses it.
TIN CUP
(cockily)
You're gonna need to muscle up,
big guy -- give it the old steroid
jerk...
Simms is cool as ice. He smiles, then moves around to
the other side of the ball, suddenly facing away from the
course. This baffles everyone.
66.
REGULARS
What the hell you doin'? Wha's
this?
And David Simms hits an effortless seven iron out toward
the desert, onto the lonely highway...
59 ... and the ball bounces and bounces and bounces, for 59
About three miles, forever. It's probably still going...
60 CLOSE ON TIN CUP 60
The hustler's been hustled.
CLOSE ON MOLLY
She shrugs and smiles.
CUT TO:
61 EXT. COTTONWOOD CLUBHOUSE - DAY (MOMENTS LATER) 61
Molly drives away in Simms' car -- followed by Simms in
Tin Cup's Cadillac convertible. Simms waves.
Tin Cup and the Regulars stand alone. Weakly, lamely, a
couple of the Regulars speak. Without conviction.
CLINT
You the man, Roy...
EARL
You definitely the man...
CUT TO:
62 INT. GOLDEN TASSEL - NIGHT 62
A nearly nude dancer named SAMMANTHA on stage to a big
Saturday night crowd. Tin Cup's in the front row,
sitting with Doreen and a beer. Disconsolate.
P.A. ANNOUNCER (V.O.)
Bring out those bills, boys, if ya
wanta see a little more of
Sammantha!
Guys pull out singles and larger bills around the runway,
placing them on the railing for the gyrating stripper.
SAMMANTHA
(to Tin Cup)
Hey, honey...
67.
Tin Cup tosses some money onstage with a lackluster
wave, he's depressed -- or something.
TIN CUP
Hey, honey...
DOREEN
I heard you qualified for the
Regionals -- why you so down?
TIN CUP
I broke my clubs -- don't ask why,
my caddie's pissed off at me, I
lost my wheels in a sucker bet,
and my shrink thinks I'm a fool --
'cause I probably am...
DOREEN
You're seeing a therapist?!
TIN CUP
Yeah, what's wrong with that?
DOREEN
Only way you'd ever go into
therapy was if the shrink was a
doll and you were trying to get
her into the rack --
TIN CUP
You're so shallow. The Good
Doctor and I are dealing with my
regression and denial --
DOREEN
Oh, Tin Cup, what a crock. You
got a hard-on.
A GUY from the next table leans over, interrupting.
GUY
You `Tin Cup'? Won the Local with
a seven iron?
TIN CUP
That's me.
GUY
McAvoy? The Tin Cup McAvoy?
DOREEN
There's only one -- thank God...
TIN CUP
Yeah. You looking for a game?
68.
GUY
No, but I'd sure like to show you
my grip...
Doreen can't keep his attention. Neither can Sammantha,
who writhes only a few feet away.
DOREEN
How long have you been seeing this
`Good Doctor'?
TIN CUP
Exc |
