Owen Wilson’s ‘Stick’ Offers A Feel-Good Golf Comedy Experience

LOS ANGELES, CA — Owen Wilson stars in the new Apple TV+ series, “Stick,” which provides a unique blend of comedy and emotion centered around the sport of golf. The show, which premiered its first three episodes on June 4, 2025, explores the themes of redemption and second chances through its lead character, Pryce “Stick” Cahill.

Stick, a once-promising golf pro, now finds himself in a rut after his career was derailed by a spectacular meltdown during a major tournament. His life takes a turn when he encounters a talented 17-year-old golfer, Santi Wheeler, played by Peter Dager, who has his own struggles to overcome.

The series paints a vivid picture of the game, underscored by Wilson’s natural charm and ability to portray a character grappling with personal demons. The bright colors and uplifting premise offer a contrast to the deeper themes of trauma that run through the narrative.

As Stick helps Santi navigate his golf career and personal issues, audiences witness both characters facing their pasts. Stick’s ex-wife, Amber-Linn, portrayed by Judy Greer, frequently reminds him of his underachieving circumstances, while Stick confronts his own grief over a lost child. This backstory sets the stage for the emotional weight of the series.

The first episode establishes the dynamics between Stick, Santi, and Mitts, his friend played by Marc Maron, who serves as a comedic foil. Critics have praised the show for its heartwarming moments, with ScreenAnarchy’s Peter Martin noting that Wilson brings depth to his character.

However, despite these accolades, some commentators have pointed out that the trauma-driven narrative feels overused in contemporary television. The surfacing of past traumas in every character’s storyline could be seen as a limitation to the show’s potential.

While “Stick” strives to offer feel-good moments akin to those found in other popular series, it struggles against a reliance on trauma as a central narrative device. Nevertheless, the blend of humor and emotional introspection resonates with audiences, providing an engaging portrayal of golf, friendship, and personal growth.

With subsequent episodes set to release weekly, viewers can expect a mix of comedy and heartfelt storytelling from the series in the coming weeks.