Now, he spends his days selling golf gear, giving lessons to wealthy older women, and hustling in bars. Going through a divorce from his wife Amber-Linn (Judy Greer), Pryce still lives in their former home, which Amber-Linn now wants to sell. Owen Wilson’s subtle and charismatic performance makes Pryce undeniably watchable as he navigates life’s setbacks.
The story takes a turn when Pryce encounters Santi (Peter Dager), a talented but cocky teenager sneaking into the golf club to practice. Recognizing Santi’s potential, Pryce sees an opportunity for redemption — both for himself and the young prodigy. To help Santi qualify for the US amateur championships, Pryce needs to persuade Santi’s mother Elena (Mariana Treviño) to let him take Santi on a road trip to several tournaments. Elena demands $100,000 and plans to join them, but her willingness to pay and the support of Pryce’s friend Mitts (Marc Maron) make the journey possible.
Throughout the film, it becomes clear that the story isn’t really about golf — much like Ted Lasso, which Apple TV+ tried to emulate. Instead, it’s about healing emotional wounds and finding family in unexpected places. Pryce’s “Grossweiner” story emphasizes that you can only control your swing in life; what happens afterward is out of your hands. The film explores themes of redemption, friendship, and personal growth through sporting metaphors and heartfelt moments.
While Stick is pleasant and never overlong, it doesn’t quite reach the heights of Ted Lasso. It offers solid performances from its cast and Wilson’s energetic presence but lacks the humor and emotional depth that made Ted Lasso so compelling. Golf may not be as televisually exciting as football or soccer, but Stick manages to deliver a warm half-hour of entertainment on Apple TV+.
