Synopsis

Roy McAvoy, a talented but self-destructive golf pro, runs a struggling driving range in West Texas. After falling for Dr. Molly Griswold, the girlfriend of his former rival, Roy sets his sights on qualifying for the U.S. Open. His quest forces him to confront his reckless instincts, financial troubles, and the difference between playing safely and playing with conviction.

Factoids & Trivia

• The screenplay began with a story by Ron Shelton and Tim Norville. John Norville wrote the first screenplay, which was later revised by Shelton.

• The golf course at Tubac Golf Resort in Arizona did not originally have the water hazard required by the script. The production built one and named it "Tin Cup Lake."

• Kevin Costner trained extensively with professional golfer Gary McCord for the role. Many of Roy McAvoy's golf shots were performed by Costner himself.

• The autograph scene includes Costner's parents, Sharon and Bill Costner, along with his son Joe Costner.

• Cheech Marin reportedly had little interest in golf before working on the film and later became an enthusiastic player.

• The film was released theatrically in the United States on August 16, 1996. It earned generally positive reviews and became one of the better-known golf comedies of the 1990s.