Maurice Flitcroft talked his way into the 1976 British Open qualifying rounds despite having barely played golf, and The Phantom of the Open turns that real event into a gentle, true-life comedy.

What is The Phantom of the Open about?

Craig Roberts directs this British comedy-drama built around Maurice Flitcroft, a shipyard crane operator whose relentless optimism carries him from complete amateur to an entrant in one of golf's most prestigious qualifying events in 1976. The film follows what that attempt costs and earns him at home and within the sport's establishment, leaning on warmth and dry humor rather than sports-movie triumph. Mark Rylance plays Flitcroft opposite Sally Hawkins and Rhys Ifans, with Simon Farnaby and Mark Lewis Jones rounding out the supporting cast. At 106 minutes, it's paced as a character study first and a sports story second.

About the cast

Mark Rylance leads as Maurice Flitcroft, with Sally Hawkins, Rhys Ifans, Simon Farnaby, Mark Lewis Jones, Jonah Lees, Christian Lees and Ash Tandon filling out the family and golf-world figures around him. The ensemble plays the comedy straight, treating Flitcroft's belief in himself as sincere rather than a punchline, which keeps the film's tone closer to affectionate than mocking.

Context & significance

The Phantom of the Open is a 2022 British production spanning comedy, drama and sport, directed by Craig Roberts. It met a warm reception, fitting for a film built around an underdog with no realistic path to golfing success who chases the attempt anyway. At 106 minutes it's a full feature rather than a short comedy, giving the family dynamics room alongside the golf sequences.

Watching The Phantom of the Open on Ktime

The Phantom of the Open is available on K-Time with both Persian dubbing and Persian subtitles, so Farsi-speaking viewers can choose how they'd rather watch. Streaming needs a free K-Time account, while the page and this write-up stay readable without logging in. It's an easygoing pick for viewers who want a true story with warmth rather than intensity.