Mark Rylance Swings Into Action as the World's Worst Golfer in Irresistible True Story Now Streaming on BBC iPlayer

An Unforgettable Underdog Tale Takes the Green

Get ready to cheer for the ultimate underdog because a dramedy based on an incredible true story has just landed on BBC iPlayer. The Phantom of the Open stars Oscar winner Mark Rylance as Maurice Flitcroft, a man who dared to dream big and became known as “the world’s worst golfer.” This irresistible 1970s-set film is already winning hearts and is a must-watch for anyone who loves a good underdog story.

Flitcroft, a crane operator with no formal golf training, managed to bluff his way into the 1976 Open Championship by claiming to be a professional. His audacious attempt to play alongside the world's best golfers resulted in a legendary performance—not for his skill, but for the sheer joy and determination he brought to the game. As documented in the source file Screenshot (550).png, the film is directed by Craig Roberts (star of Submarine) and written by Simon Farnaby, based on the biography co-authored by Farnaby and Scott Murray.

A Stellar Cast Brings the Story to Life

The cast is stacked with talent. Mark Rylance, known for his chameleon-like performances in Bridge of Spies and Wolf Hall, brings warmth and charm to the role of Flitcroft. Sally Hawkins, reuniting with Roberts after Submarine, plays Jean, Maurice's devoted wife. Rhys Ifans adds spark as Keith Mackenzie, a character who embodies the golf establishment's skepticism.

Rounding out the cast are Jake Davies, Christian Lees, Jonah Lees as the Flitcroft sons, and a host of British acting talent including Mark Lewis Jones, Johann Myers, and Nigel Betts. The film premiered at the BFI London Film Festival in 2021 to strong reviews, earning a Certified Fresh badge on Rotten Tomatoes with an impressive 86% score from 139 critics.

What the Critics Are Saying

Critics have been effusive in their praise. Salon.com calls the story “incredible” and the film “as appealing as Maurice Flitcroft.” The Sunday Independent of Ireland raves that Rylance portrays Flitcroft “as an audacious yet amiable chancer with a heart of gold,” adding, “This irresistible biopic deserves everything good that comes its way.”

The Observer describes it as “equal parts compelling and endearing,” while The Hollywood Reporter brands it a “mostly winning charmer.” Perhaps the highest compliment comes from The New York Times, which says The Phantom of the Open is the kind of good-hearted film that legendary director Frank Capra “would have liked to have taken a swing at.”

Where to Watch and What Else to Stream

The Phantom of the Open is currently streaming on BBC iPlayer. It's also available to rent or buy on digital platforms like Apple TV and Prime Video. If you're looking for more Mark Rylance performances, two other films are available now: the hyper-graphic cannibal romance Bones and All (directed by Luca Guadagnino) and Aaron Sorkin's legal drama The Trial of the Chicago 7, which is currently on Netflix.

Rylance's versatility is on full display in these roles. In Bones and All, he plays a chillingly eccentric character miles away from the lovable Flitcroft. In The Trial of the Chicago 7, he portrays civil rights lawyer William Kunstler, anchoring a star-studded cast that includes Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Sacha Baron Cohen, and Eddie Redmayne.

The Real Man Behind the Legend

Maurice Flitcroft's story resonates because of his pure love for the game. He wasn't trying to cheat; he was following a dream. His participation in the 1976 Open Championship became a media sensation, and he later attempted to qualify for other tournaments (often using pseudonyms). The film captures the humor and heart of his journey, celebrating the idea that passion and determination can overcome any obstacle. As noted in the source screenshot, the film is directed by Craig Roberts, who previously directed Just Jim and Eternal Beauty (the latter also starring Sally Hawkins). Roberts' upcoming project The Scurry, a horror about “a horde of deranged squirrels,” promises a very different tone.

The film's score, cinematography, and costume design all evoke the colorful spirit of the 1970s, making it a visual treat as well as an emotional one. Mark Rylance's performance has been singled out as particularly charming—he brings a gentle, almost naive optimism to Flitcroft that makes you root for him every step of the way.

Whether you're a golf fan or just someone who loves a feel-good true story, The Phantom of the Open is a hole-in-one. Stream it now on BBC iPlayer before it disappears from the fairway.

Disclaimer - All celebrity-related content, information, and images on this website are based on publicly available online sources and AI-generated insights/data. Information such as biography, age, career, personal details, and images may change without notice over time. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, reliability, or timeliness of any information or imagery displayed on this website. This content is provided for general informational purposes only.