Episode 1 of "Stick" kicks off with an intriguing introduction to Pryce Cahill, a former golf pro who has transitioned into the role of a salesman but remains deeply enchanted by the sport that once defined him. His silver tongue is undeniable, earning him the title of the store's top salesperson, yet his financial acumen leaves much to be desired.
Pryce's house, a reflection of his neglect, stands in disarray and disrepair, an unwelcome sight considering he's in the midst of selling it. His ex-wife, Amber-Linn, is eager to finalize the sale, but Pryce isn't making it an easy task. Clinging desperately to the remnants of his past for the past two years, his house has become a final vestige of his old life.
A meeting with their respective lawyers looms on the horizon, intended to tie up all loose ends, but instead of addressing the house's dilapidated state, Pryce indulges in nostalgia. The camera sweeps over piles of newspaper clippings, chronicling his storied golf career, until Pryce eventually collapses outside in a heap of aimless despair.
Additionally, Pryce finds solace at the golf club, where he encounters Santi Wheeler, a golf prodigy with a rebellious streak. Santi, not a member of the club, has made a habit of sneaking in and pounding a shed from an astonishing distance of over 320 meters. Pryce sees in Santi a potential beacon of hope, a ticket back to the glory days he so desperately craves.
When it comes time to meet with Amber-Linn, Pryce arrives without legal representation, stubbornly choosing to navigate the proceedings solo. He's swiftly out of his depth, facing the specter of court battles and the forced repossession of his home. Amber-Linn has a buyer lined up and is willing to offer him $75,000 to start anew, a generous proposal that Pryce foolishly refuses to accept.
So, what led to Pryce's premature retirement from golf? A harrowing psychotic episode on the course, marked by a violent outburst and an assault on the greens, turned him into a punchline in the golfing community. Dubbed a has-been, his legacy is now eclipsed by an incriminating online video.
Pryce, in an unexpected twist, is capitalizing on his very own shortcomings by partnering with a chap named Mitts at the local watering hole, orchestrating a scheme that entices others to wager their money while he deliberately falls short of his mark. The linchpin to reigniting Pryce's dormant drive lies in Santi, whom Pryce envisions mentoring to qualify for the prestigious US Amateur tournament in August, embarking on a road trip to various golf courses.
Santi's mother, Elena, is initially taken aback but Pryce, producing his card, assures her of his authenticity. Elena, ever the diligent parent, conducts her due diligence and concludes that Pryce is indeed the real deal, viewing this as a prime opportunity for her son to blossom once more. She is acutely aware that golf once brought Santi joy, a joy extinguished by his father's actions, though the full extent of this remains shrouded in mystery – a mystery undoubtedly to be unveiled in upcoming episodes.
Elena, a negotiator of stern resolve, demands a non-negotiable sum of $100,000 upfront before they venture forth. Recognizing that he's been treading water for far too long, Pryce views Santi as his ticket to rehabilitation from the YouTube meltdown that has become synonymous with his career.
Taking a leap of faith, Pryce inks the papers to sell his house, securing the needed funds after some persuasive negotiations with Amber-Linn to boost the amount to the required $100,000. Elena, finally convinced, gives her consent, albeit after witnessing Santi's impressive golf prowess firsthand.
As the episode draws to a close, we are privy to the source of Pryce's regret and public breakdown. It transpires that he shares a child, Jett, with Amber-Linn. The fate of this young one remains unclear, but it could very well mark the inception of Pryce's journey towards healing.
