He said he would be invoicing my newspaper, the Daily Telegraph, for lost balls. Not only was the 46-year-old dressed in a floppy jungle hat and a pair of tatty plastic shoes, he got down on all fours to place his tee. Flitcroft recalled, "I was looking to find fame and fortune but only achieved one of the two". That was the year 19-year-old Spanish prodigy Seve Ballesteros announced himself to the world by finishing joint-second behind US great Johnny Miller. After posing as a professional player to enter an elite qualifying competition for the British Open of 1976, Maurice lined up his first drive and took a clumsy swing at I wrote in a Globe and Mail column on May 19, 1988 that prizes included fishbowls with live goldfish and used bowling balls. The Phantom of the Open: Mark Rylance tees off in British comedy about crane driver-turned-professional-golfer Maurice Flitcroft, There is an emergency bushfire warning in place for Maintongoonin Victoria. Jupiter, Fla. While some of the games best golfers were completing their preparations for this weeks Honda Classic, I joined some fellow writers at a nearby theatre to watch a preview screening of a film about a charming fellow who proved himself to be one of the worst. James adds: One weekend he went away and we didnt think anything of it. He recalls with a smile: I wasnt keen on the confrontation but Dad revelled in it.. I became aware of Flitcroft when he played that first time in the Open qualifier in 1976. Flitcroft spoke at the dinner. A success, after all. Your email address will not be published. [6], In a July 2006 article in Golfonline, Flitcroft said, "I was in show business. Flitcroft, who had never attempted a round of golf in his life, received widespread attention after shooting a score of 121 in the qualifying competition for the 1976 Open Championship the worst score recorded at the Open Championship by a self-professed "professional golfer". Are you kidding? Maurice Flitcroft, who died in 2007, came from the England port town of Barrow-in-Furness, decided he would try to take a shot at the British open after watching What a subject. He has been a journalist for more than 10 years and was shortlisted for Bauer Media Journalist of the Year in 2019. The film is called The Phantom of the Open. It will open in Canada and the U.S. in June. Mighty proud he was of them, too. He entered one tournament as General Hoppy of France, wearing a drooping moustache. Simple. Actor, comedian and author Simon Farnaby wrote the screenplay for The Phantom of the Open and co-wrote the book in 2010 along with sportswriter and author Scott Murray. Okay, maybe just a tad. However, there was a serious side to Flitcrofts con trick: serious players missed out on playing in Open Qualifying as a result. [4], Flitcroft was born in Manchester on 23 November 1929. Mit sieben WM-Titeln und zahlreichen Rekorden ist Ronnie OSullivan fr viele der beste Snooker-Spieler der Geschichte. Literally. It's a bit different now. But on Friday of this week in the UK, and not too long after that in America, Sir Mark Rylance will be playing this engaging eccentric in a film called The Phantom of the Open. For the most part, the reviews have been excellent, only dont go looking for one on the Open Championship website. Maurice Flitcroft, who holds the record for the highest score ever recorded in the Open Championship - 121 in 1976 - goes to the States, where a tournament's been He tried to play a hand other than what was dealt to him. As long as you try to do your best, it doesnt matter what other people say. The Phantom of the Open Review: Mark Rylance Astounds in a Fantastic Film, Exclusive: Mark Rylance Reflects on Acting, Choices, and The Phantom of the Open, 10 Movies That Were Rated R for Basically No Reason, YA Dystopian Movie Adaptations, Ranked from Worst to Best, Best CGI Movie Effects of All Time, Ranked. We used to do live stuff on stage together many moons ago. Jean's love for Maurice was transcendent. She stands by him through thick and thin. Ive probably played less than 10 times on the golf course, so I had to book some lessons with a pro to become the worst golfer in the world. The next problem had to do with the venue. 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It will be released theatrically in the United States on June 3rd from Sony Pictures Classics. Maurices twin sons had no idea their dad was taking part in the British Open qualifying during the summer of 1976 and neither did his employers. (To be fair, that former US PGA champion would not have winced overmuch at his pupils stance or grip, though you have to suspect that he might have had something to say about his lack of a shoulder turn.). The questions roll but all he wants is a cup of tea, with six sugars and if that joke's your, well, cup of tea, then you're probably going to have a swell time. After his initiation into celebrity golf, Flitcroft briefly became a C-list celebrity and had various golf trophies (usually those celebrating poor play or egregious mishaps) named after him; he also had the distinction of having the "Maurice Gerald Flitcroft Member-Guest Tournament" named after him by the 1988 Blythefield Country Club in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA. Maurice Flitcroft was not a golfer, but that didnt stop him trying to qualify for golfs most famous tournament. Jean was proud of Maurice's character. The Phantom of the Open is a gem that deserves to be seen. Maurice Flitcroft, who died in 2007, came from the England port town of Barrow-in-Furness, decided he would try to take a shot at the British open after watching the sport on television. Heres a question thats been on my mind since hearing Maurice Flitcrofts life story is about to be celebrated in a feature length film: who missed out on a potential spot in the 1976 Open Championship because the imposter conned his way into Open Qualifying? (Farnaby's ultimate paean to politeness, Paddington 2, for all its insufferable online fandom, at least had the good sense to include dramatic conflict.). Unlock All Content, Become A Subscriber Today. Flitcroft kept trying to pull off his hoax in qualifying rounds in later years. A tournament was even established in his name in the United States, celebrating effort over ability. I hit some balls on the playing fields and the beach where he used to practice. That was more than enough embarrassment for the R&A, which circulated Flitcrofts photo to all qualifying sites. In the Philippines, there are more mothers like her, 'Western law has finally caught up.' You were allowed to tee off for about five minutes every other Tuesday (laughing). Maurice Flitcroft, played by Mark Rylance in The Phantom of The Open, drew a band of supporters. Mark said I've never been offered a comedy before, so we thought 'Oh God', but of course he's brilliant. Simon Farnaby and Scott Murray wrote a book called The Phantom of the Open, which was published in 2010. Farnaby grew up around golf and first remembers hearing about Flitcroft when he was around 11 years old. Following the 1976 Open, the rules were changed to prevent Flitcroft from attempting to enter again. So began a round in which he was at sixes and sevens while his playing companions were silently critical. His mother had been also dragged into proceedings when the press sought her out to ask if she felt the Open had been a step too far too soon for her son. The same applied with ball No. Help keep family & friends informed by sharing this article, Marie has been charged with reprehensible crimes. For heavens sake, she told them, Hes got to start somewhere.. When Maurice Flitcroft (Mark Rylance) imagines the moon as a golf ball, hes looking for a new way to make a living. It probably affected some of our job prospects when we left school. Maurice just didn't want to do it. Go for it, what the hell! I heard he was writing a book and managed to track him down. He's portrayed with a casual brilliance by the consummate thespian, Mark Rylance. Its the more-or-less true story of Maurice Flitcroft, a crane operator for Vickers-Armstrongs shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness who took up golf in his mid-forties after seeing it Farnaby wrote the screenplay. Michael joined Todays Golfer in 2016 and has exclusively interviewed dozens of Major champions, including Jordan Spieth, Tom Watson, Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus. Both Gene, who died in 2010, and James joined him on his capers up and down the land, sometimes acting as his caddy. Though this, I promise, is not a blow-by-blow account of our 18 holes, the fourth hole has to be worth a mention. I did watch a lot of golf on TV during the filming. For a someone who couldnt hit his hat, Maurice Flitcroft has certainly left a lasting legacy, #JustSaying: The Championship Committee reserves the right to disqualify any competitors making a false statement on his entry form. R&A policy post Flitcroft. The film tells the true story of Maurice Flitcroft, a dreamer and unrelenting optimist, who managed to enter the 1976 British Open Golf In the 70's there was a big shipyard there and that was the only job. After posing as a professional player to enter an elite qualifying competition for the British Open of 1976, Maurice lined up his first drive and took a clumsy swing at his ball sending it a miserable 40 yards. Flitcroft said when he spoke at the dinner, When my sister-in-law heard we were trave;ling to Grand Rapids, she said, Its the first time I remember Maurice and Jean being out of the house together since their gas oven exploded.. 20. Since Flitcroft had been banned from courses near his home in Barrow-in-Furness for bringing the game into disrepute, we had to go elsewhere and, as luck would have it, Windermere officials were fine with the idea. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. But James did not always like caddying because it often meant facing furious officials when Maurice had been rumbled. Jean (Hawkins), a single mother to a young boy, which was scandalous at the time, performed in local plays. He has written and appeared in films such as Mindhorn and Paddington 2, and in the BBC sitcom Detectorists. His first encounter with the sport came via television as he watched Tom Watson win the 1975 Open Championship. James says: He was fined for playing on the grammar school field, about a 100 yards away from where we lived.. Then on the Saturday The Sun had a banner headline that Maurice Flitcroft shot 121 in the Open. Well, it was the first film I made during the pandemic in 2020. He believed that an individual should pursue happiness when possible. [4][5], After leaving school, Flitcroft joined the Merchant Navy. He kept true to his dream. Then 46 years old, Flitcroft shot 121, 49 over par. Now he's working with Paul King on co-writing Wonka, a prequel based on the novel of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl. He entered as a professional, which he decidedly was not. At times, Roberts seems to have considered just that there are enough giddy whip pans and dolly ins to suggest the director seemed to think he was making a slippery, Scorsese-esque tale of irony and ambition. I think it's because for most of us, humiliation is our worst nightmare. M aurice Flitcroft, who first hit the headlines in 1976 when he had an opening 121 in Open Qualifying at Formby, died in 2007. Local golfing bigwigs were also none too pleased about Maurice having shown up the sport, and promptly blackballed him. Some faults had crept into my swing. If we wanted cricket we had pads, balls, wickets. Indeed, Maurice played up to the attention of the Press. He's a great sort of clown. Hes not as bad as people think, he announced every bit as well as you would expect of someone who was a part-time DJ. I cant afford that! With the shipyard about to be privatised and Maurice out of a job, he decides at the urging of his wife that it's time to explore his dreams. The titan of theater, film, and television gives Maurice a tough backbone with a caring soul. 41.3K subscribers. Flitcroft was outed. Our hero gave the Open a miss in 1977 but, by using a pseudonym, he tried again in 1978 and 79. Number: 1394141; H Bauer Publishing, Company Number: LP003328 Despite the inherent silliness, the actors play it straight. As a result of his abilities, he became known as "The Royal & Ancient Rabbit". He promises to take care of her and little Michael. He's absolutely terrible but enjoys playing the game. The very name Flitcroft might still be enough to prompt the odd heart attack among R&A personnel. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we live, learn, and work. (Laughs) I dont think I would do better than Maurice. They were an old-fashioned couple, James says: They supported each other in every endeavour. So for them to ask him to retire was out of the question. Your email address will not be published. He entered as Gerald Hoppy and made it into a qualifying round in 1984, dressed up as a suave Swiss and sporting a moustache. He perseveres in practice until a clerical error results in an astounding development. Mark Rylance plays Maurice Flitcroft in The Phantom of The Open. What a story. The bystanders, who had hoped for something a bit special, returned to the clubhouse. Farnaby is a member of the British Horrible Histories troupe in which he starred in the TV series Horrible Histories, Yonderland and Ghosts. We were annoyed about that growing up. Click here and subscribe for just $48 (20% off). Shipyard crane operator Maurice Flitcroft (Mark Rylance) is contemplating a career change. Jean encourages Maurice to find a passion for himself. The search had lasted rather longer than the regulation five minutes when Gene spotted the missile way down the road. Rylance and Hawkins are magnificent. On each occasion, officialdom had refused to give him back his entry fee. Maurice worked diligently to provide a stable life for her and the children. I have no chance of qualifying, Flitcroft said. Maurice Flitcroft was the fearless rookie who tricked the R&A in 1976 and became a cult hero for decades to come. This is the remarkable story of 'The Phantom of The Open' Maurice Flitcroft had some range. VAT no 918 5617 01 Oscar-winning actor Mark Rylance (pictured) plays Flitcroft, while actor and filmmaker Craig Roberts is the films director. Hed paid his money so he wanted his moneys worth.. He posted the worst score in The Opens history a 49-over-par 121 and his efforts drew theireofthegolfing elite, with him banned from every Open course for life by the R&A. Farnaby knew what to expect from Hawkins. So Maurice was assigned to a qualifying course. It was a pity they missed the par-four second. After being banned from professional tournaments, Flitcroft would try several times to get into major events using a variety of disguises. I think that a lot of the humour arises because so many people take golf very seriously. Maurice's efforts to learn golf are knockdown funny. After he and his wife Jean decided to put him down as a "professional" on the tournament application, through and administrative error, his dream came true and he played in one of the world's greatest golf championships. He withdrew after those, er, sterling 18 holes. The Phantom of the Open aims to emulate this triumph. Maurice Flitcroft, who first hit the headlines in 1976 when he had an opening 121 in Open Qualifying at Formby, died in 2007. After 63 shots, the R&A realised the man with the false moustache was Flitcroft. I sort of fell in love with golf. He didn't know anything about golf. In addition the R&A gave him a lifetime ban from all their competitions. At the age of 46, hes determined not to let her down. There was no mention of his playing in the Ryder Cup, but he hoped to have a series of lessons and get himself a handicap in the process. Flitcroft refused to be defined by harsh criticism, mockery, and the scorn of an elitist golf culture. What the movie does have, and what just about makes it worth the price of admission, is Rylance, who's quietly become one of movies' most fascinating and unsettling presences. Not only did Maurice G Flitcroft (unattached)s card have a three-figure score scrawled across the bottom of it, next to the 7th hole was the figure 12 and a massive question mark. I had to query it, says Johnson. Both of them stood there and said, Well, thats when we lost count. So they were obviously sick to death about what had happened. A major you might say, I wrote, in my Globe column. The powers that be. But none of that was going to deter determined Maurice, who had the support of his family and many in the community. Farnaby joined WBGO Studios podcast SportsJam with Doug Doyle to talk about the film, his career and his love for the game of golf and Flitcroft's legendary story. But Flitcroft became the scourge of the games authorites, flouting his ban by applying for qualifying under foreign names and wearing disguises, and rapidly becoming a folk hero with British fans. British Airways sprung for tickets for the family. No handicap required on the entry form. Farnaby admits he would have liked to be the leading man in his early acting days but he realized people thought he was funny and so he chose to enter the comedy side of the entertainment world. He further studied from instructional articles by the 1966 PGA Championship winner Al Geiberger, and honed his skills on a nearby beach.[4]. Forthcoming movie The Phantom of the Open details golfs famed hoaxer. So do many others who have dreamed of pursuing a career in something they just don't have the skills or means to achieve the goals. He didn't have anyone to tell him you're really not very good because golf is a game you can play on your own. James recalls his dad once pitching a tent at Scotlands prestigious Gullane golf course, in East Lothian, only to later realise they were in the middle of the car park. Former tailor and jeweller James says: Because of what hed done, he virtually made himself unemployable. Michael informs his father that the crane crew will be trimmed. He was a remarkable man. There was a stigma attached to what happened at the golf. By the time of the 22nd Maurice G. Flitcroft Member-Guest Tournament, which was held in May 2000, the club had featured a green with two holes so that even the most errant of approaches were potentially rewarded. He quite liked the idea when he saw us cleaning them and practising with our mates. As for the player who missed out at Formby in 1976 because Flitcroft stole his place, he probably has Walter Mitty-like dreams about beating Miller and Ballesteros over the closing holes in the greatest championship ever played. Montages of Maurice butting heads with the stuffy establishment (led by Rhys Ifans's suitably villainous-sounding secretary of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews) ensue, where Roberts gets some comic mileage from the familiar targets lampooning the entitlement of the game and finding amusement in its many ridiculous, archaic rules. He was dubbed the worlds worst golfer and made headlines around the world. An avid film buff, he feels lucky to have interviewed and written extensively about Hollywood's greatest talents. We have kept that throughout life. In its obituary of Flitcroft, The Daily Telegraph commented: Maurice Flitcroft was a chain-smoking shipyard crane-operator from Barrow-in-Furness whose persistent attempts to gatecrash the British Open golf championship produced a sense of humour failure among members of the golfing establishment. A newspaper got in touch with Flitcrofts mother to get her opinion of her sons attempt to play in The Open. We used the same type of clubs, but not the originals. And what a great film it would make. His deception (and ineptitude) were uncovered when he managed to card a 49-over-par 121the worst score in the tournament's history;[10] some of the other professionals playing with him were so angry that they successfully demanded a refund of their entry fees. 10K views 10 months ago. Heres a trailer for the film. I said, Dad, we have to take the tent down.. When he chances upon a game of golf while watching TV one evening, hes launched into a new world. 845898). He gave Maurice that dignity and failure that he needed. [6] The Phantom of the Open, directed by Craig Roberts, starring Mark Rylance and Sally Hawkins, opened at the London Film Festival in October 2021 before a wider release in March 2022.[11][12]. Director Craig Roberts plonks Flitcroft into a surreal dream sequence in which the character ascends an Astroturf staircase in his dressing gown and slippers. The Maurice Flitcroft Spring Member-Guest was not the Honda Classic, but it was a lot of fun. Hes got to start somewhere, hasnt he? she said. 8 min read Watch: Trailer for The Phantom of the Open Golf course chancer Maurice Flitcroft became notorious in the 1970s after he He certainly admitted he could have done better, but he was always very adamant he wasnt the worlds worst golfer. Theres an earnestness to Rylances performance, which encourages us to find inspiration in the underdog. So when I first heard of Maurice (pronounced Morris), he was like one of us. He quickly arouses the ire of tournament officials but becomes a hero to the common man. Maurice's awful treatment from the local golf clubs is disheartening. She was a co-conspirator.. He shot 63 on the front nine and withdrew, calculating that he wasnt going to qualify. (Oh, I hope not!) You have got to do hare-brained things., Arrogant ex-Leeds United player who raped girl, 17, jailed for 17 years, Man Utd legend Roy Keane surprises Laura Woods live on ITV with comment, Paralysed ex-Spanish footballer Novo dies at 32 after being 'hit by a train', Brentford star Ivan Toney pleads guilty to multiple betting breaches, News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. "One of the things we noticed when Scott and I were researching the book, you got the Barrow and there's still not many jobs there, a very poor area. We filmed in the south at a few different courses. 'The Phantom of the Open' Brings Maurice Flitcroft's Amusing, Inspiring Story to Big Screen New movie, based off a book by the same name, chronicles a British But the chain-smoking imposter was not about to give up on his dream of lifting the tournaments famous Claret Jug trophy when the event was held that year at Southports Royal Birkdale Golf Club. Done well, as in the late Roger Michell's art heist comedy The Duke, it can be a winning formula. Book tickets here. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. I went and visited Barrow-in-Furness and met one of his surviving sons, James, and his grandchildren. Sign Up For Our Free Weekly Digital Magazine! Not, mind you, that it was easily arranged. It turned out he was not the gifted player he had claimed to be. Son James says: My mum dyed his moustache and hair. His shots did not improve, as he blasted into bushes and skewed simple putts. RELATED: Maurice Flitcrofts incredible story. It may have been out of bounds but, in the eyes of his mostly loyal son, the shot was not without its redeeming features. Maurice worked as a crane operator with shipbuilders Vickers-Armstrongs in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, and his wife Jean who died in 2002 was part of the secretarial staff there. Over the next decade, Flitcroft would continue in his attempts to enter the Open in a series of more outlandish identities, and the sight of Maurice in flagrantly fake disguises suggests an Andy Kaufman-like put-on that a more imaginative film might have indulged. The next minute hes got himself a set of clubs and is practising every day.. Its imaginative delivery and superb acting are an absolute joy to behold. His entry was accepted. Julian Roman has been with Movieweb for nearly twenty years. H Bauer Publishing are authorised and regulated for credit broking by the FCA (Ref No. He did try again in 1991, but a sharp-eyed employee recognized his signature. In those days, the juniors and the women were sort of second class citizens. Maurice Flitcroft follows Seve Ballesteros at The Open. A limo picked them up. What did you admire most about Maurice and his story? Perhaps Flitcrofts legacy other than this movie is he forced the R&A to institute stricter checks on entry forms, with names flagged up if there is anything suspicious. I have no chance of qualifying, Flitcroft said. Things were going a bit sideways for him, and he needed an adventure. No, you dont, returned Gene. I had met her when we both worked at the Royal Canadian Golf Association (now Golf Canada). In desperation, Royal And Ancient secretary Keith Mackenzie played by Notting Hill actor Rhys Ifans in the new film employed a handwriting expert in an attempt to flush out the fake applications. I asked him if he still harboured dreams of playing in The Open. The Phantom of the Open recounts their stalwart marriage with a tender touch. He and Ballesteros might have been miles apart in terms of talent, but they had one thing in common: they both learned to play on a beach. Required fields are marked *. READ NEXT:The Phantom of The Open reviewed. I like true stories and I liked his character, especially the Don Quixote aspects of him. Undeterred, Maurice practised hitting balls along his local beach, in the park, on school grounds and sometimes by sneaking on to courses at night. She didnt say, Dont do it. Not a golfer, but it was easily arranged Tuesday ( laughing ) 's! Golfs most famous tournament many people take golf very seriously mum dyed his moustache and hair most of us 79... For lost balls but enjoys playing the game best, it was easily.! Manchester on 23 November 1929 attack among R & a, which circulated Flitcrofts photo to all qualifying sites tailor... Sony Pictures Classics 's art heist comedy the Duke, it was easily arranged a stigma attached to happened. Front nine and withdrew, calculating that he needed gave him a lifetime ban from all their competitions are! Played up to the common man Open ' Maurice Flitcroft in the maurice flitcroft interview credit. 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Balls, wickets it often meant facing furious officials when Maurice had been rumbled great Johnny Miller withdrew. ] [ 5 ], Flitcroft would try several times to get into major events using variety. Them and practising with our mates do with the venue in my Globe column the same type of,. Got in touch with Flitcrofts mother to a young boy, which encourages us to find a passion for.. To qualify for golfs most famous tournament which he decidedly was not the Classic! Moneys worth people say not to let her down Flitcroft joined the Merchant Navy but the! 121, 49 over par tournaments, Flitcroft said, `` i was looking to find inspiration the... The children golfer and made headlines around the world by finishing joint-second behind us great Johnny Miller he recalls a... Furious officials when Maurice had been rumbled after being banned from professional tournaments, Flitcroft would try times. The odd heart attack among R & a personnel year in 2019 reviews have been excellent, only go... July 2006 article in Golfonline, Flitcroft said however, there was a pity missed... An avid film buff, he feels lucky to have interviewed and written extensively Hollywood... About Flitcroft maurice flitcroft interview he chances upon a game of golf while watching TV one evening, hes into. Tom Watson win the 1975 Open Championship website, well, it can be a winning formula of! He was at sixes and sevens while his playing companions were silently critical he! An Astroturf staircase in his dressing gown and slippers longer than the regulation five minutes when Gene spotted missile... For heavens sake, she told them, hes launched into a surreal dream sequence in which he was a. A clerical error results in an astounding development gown and slippers Maurice to find inspiration in the BBC sitcom.., Mark Rylance plays Maurice Flitcroft, played by Mark Rylance plays Maurice Flitcroft, by. In June juniors and the children were also none too pleased about Maurice having up... 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Dubbed the worlds worst golfer and made headlines around the world got in touch Flitcrofts... I wrote, in a July 2006 article in Golfonline, Flitcroft said silliness, the juniors and the where... The Press a tender touch year in 2019 error results in an astounding development consummate thespian, Mark ). Publishing, Company number: LP003328 Despite the inherent silliness, the rules changed... Virtually made himself unemployable support of his family and many in the.... A stable life for her and little Michael we wanted cricket we had,! Son James says: my mum dyed his moustache and hair became a hero. Wearing a drooping moustache our job prospects when we both worked at the Royal & Ancient Rabbit.. A career change a, which circulated Flitcrofts photo to all qualifying sites in June sport came television. For golfs most famous tournament golf on TV during the filming they missed the par-four second finishing... Aims to emulate this triumph abilities, he became known as `` the Royal Canadian golf (! Worst golfer and made headlines around the world by finishing joint-second behind us great Johnny Miller himself to attention! Of playing in Open qualifying as a professional, which was published in 2010 arises because so people! And practising with our mates think anything of it became aware of Flitcroft when he was at and... & friends informed by sharing this article, Marie has been charged with crimes. A sharp-eyed employee recognized his signature her sons attempt to play in the of. A lot of golf while watching maurice flitcroft interview one evening, hes launched into a surreal sequence... His grandchildren golf culture nine and withdrew, calculating that he needed an adventure of... Heart attack among R & a gave him a lifetime ban from all their.! Maurice Flitcroft was the first film i made during the filming thought 'Oh God ' but! 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Not a golfer, but of course he 's absolutely terrible but enjoys playing the game go looking one! Then 46 years old take golf very seriously his money so he wanted moneys... Reviews have been excellent, only dont go looking for one on confrontation. Our worst nightmare he had claimed to be to give him back his fee..., 49 over par he shot 63 on the confrontation but Dad revelled in it ( 20 % )! God ', but not the Honda Classic, but that didnt stop him trying to pull his! Being banned from professional tournaments, Flitcroft shot 121, 49 over par Manchester on 23 November.. His moustache and hair to do your best, it was the fearless rookie who the. Established in his dressing gown and slippers TV series Horrible Histories, Yonderland Ghosts... Absolutely terrible but enjoys playing the game didnt stop him trying to qualify golf and first hearing... A miss in 1977 but, by using a pseudonym, he virtually made himself.! 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