Set in 1913, the film is about golfer Francis Ouimet, an amateur who was expected to fare poorly at the 1913 U.S. Open, and who was supposedly incapable of competing against professionals. Francis' father said Francis was not allowed to golf, but after getting a once-in-a-lifetime offer, Francis goes back on his word and competes. Against all odds, he managed to beat the British champions Harry Vardon and Ted Ray, who were considered the world's best golfers.