Meet charmer Pryce Cahill, one-time golf contender who blew it big-style and now works in a golf shop. Until he spots Santi, an angry young golf punk who can hit the ball like its going out of style. Except that Santi has issues after his dad who coached him walked out on the family when he was 14. Could Pryce find redemption by taking on the role of surrogate coach/dad?

I've only seen the first two episodes of this good-hearted ten-part comedy drama but I'd wager that that's the direction this is heading. Who knows, maybe Pryce will even get back with his ex-wife Amber-Linn (Judy Greer) – they do seem to have had TV's most amicable separation, with him still living in their former home. Although maybe there might be something down the line for Pryce with Santi's mum Elena (Mariana Treviño)?

So far so corny and feelgood. And I should declare an interest here. I love golf so it would really have to be a duff shot to disappoint me. But despite the umpteen cliches Stick gets pretty much everything right. Wilson, who is also the executive producer, is perfectly cast as the former Ryder Cup player turned stoner trying to rebuild his life, his blond-fringed bashed-up Robert Redford face breaking into a smile when things are going his way. In fact he's got the kind of sunny disposition that makes him look cheerful even when he's been arrested for 32 unpaid parking tickets.

Peter Dager plays teenage hotshot Santi (imagine Timothy Chalamet playing a hispanic Dylan) and there's either some very good CGI/AI going on or he really can play decent golf. Though I doubt if he could really land a ball in a dumper 300 yards away as Santi can do without even trying. Just watching him swing made me want to chuck away my laptop, dust off my clubs and get out on the fairway. 

Podcast pioneer and stand-up Marc Maron is also good value as Pryce's former caddy Mitts, who now acts as his wingman helping him to hustle big bucks in bars rather than on the course. And maybe he is someone who pulls this dreamer back to reality. He also has a big bus which means they can travel the country with Santi, earning money in tournaments along the way with Elena along for the ride. 

There are inevitable echoes of Ted Lasso in the lack of cynicism, but in the same way that you don't have to be a football nut to enjoy that you can enjoy this even if you don't know your (Ernie) Els from your elbow. It's got a bright Coke ad feel to it which helps. Maybe not a hole in one but for me it comes in well under par. Certainly worth sticking with.

Stick is available on Apple TV+

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Apple