Published by: Sourav Kumar
Updated on: Friday, 06 June 2025
Stick Review: Apple TV+ Serves Golf, Grief & Gentle Laughs with Owen Wilson
Apple TV+ swings for a feel-good hit with “Stick,” a 10-episode sports comedy starring Owen Wilson and Marc Maron. A hybrid of Ted Lasso’s underdog spirit and Kingpin’s sports absurdity — this series dives into grief, golf, and slow-burn healing. But does it land the emotional hole-in-one or just meander down the fairway?
Plot Overview: A Washed-Up Golfer, a Teen Prodigy & a Second Chance
Owen Wilson plays Pryce Cahill (nicknamed “Stick”), a once-celebrated golfer whose life unraveled after a tragic personal loss and a viral meltdown. Now working at a golf shop and living in a decaying shell of a home, Pryce stumbles upon Santi Wheeler (Peter Dager), a teenage golf prodigy sneaking in swings at the local range. Pryce offers to coach him — promising training, a shot at the U.S. Amateur Championship, and even $100,000 to Santi’s mother, Elena (Mariana Treviño)—without having a penny to his name.
The series follows their road trip journey, training efforts, and slow emotional healing — accompanied by Pryce’s loyal and witty caddie Mitts (Marc Maron) and Zero (Lilli Kay), a genderqueer bartender who adds a much-needed edge to the otherwise soft narrative.
What Works: The Charm, The World, The Supporting Cast
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Owen Wilson, as always, brings subtle charm and wistful warmth.
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Marc Maron’s Mitts is the standout — delivering grounded humor and scene-stealing moments.
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Mariana Treviño as Elena is one of the most well-realized Latina characters in recent streaming memory.
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Real-life golf legends like Collin Morikawa, Wyndham Clark, and Keegan Bradley add authenticity, along with broadcasts from Jim Nantz and Trevor Immelman.
What Falls Flat: Pacing, Predictability & Santi’s Thin Character
Despite the emotional setup, “Stick” never takes bold swings. The pacing feels sluggish, some jokes are corny, and Santi’s arc — supposedly central — lacks depth. His trauma is skimmed over, and major decisions are made about him without his input.
There’s nothing wrong with cozy, formula-driven TV. But “Stick” flirts with darker themes (grief, failure, shame) without really engaging them. The result is a series that’s more “nice vibe” than “great story.”
Final Verdict: Stick Is Sweet, but Doesn’t Swing Hard Enough
For fans of Ted Lasso, Kingpin, or even Little Miss Sunshine, Stick has its share of charm and emotional beats. But for a story about taking risks, it plays things too safe. If you’re looking for warm-hearted, easygoing entertainment with a light sports backdrop, this is for you. Just don’t expect a comedy classic.
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