Wilson’s particular talent is ensuring that the performance never tips over into a flakiness that can read as vacant. All of that technique is poured into Pryce Cahill with wildly enjoyable results.

Stick's shortcomings don't stop it from being an enjoyable show, but they are frustrating wrinkles that can hopefully be ironed out in the second half of the season, or perhaps even in a second. As it stands, I am still prepared to bet that this is the best golf comedy you'll see this summer.

“Stick” shares some foundational plot and character DNA with Apple TV+ standouts “Ted Lasso” and “Shrinking.” But while it doesn’t match the depth of writing or the emotional resonance of those series, it’s a solid and satisfying effort with the potential for a multi-season run.

Fortunately, Wilson remains as watchable as anyone of a similar pedigree, from McConaughey to Harrelson, and it’s thanks to this that a show supported by a foundation of all that came before becomes a genuinely easy watch.

The series is essentially a 10-episode sports movie, with all the hooks, shanks and holes that come with the territory, so the outright surprises are few. But it’s the kind of thing one will like, if one has any affection for Mr. Wilson’s brand of arrested adolescence.

A handful of chuckles over 10 episodes isn't enough to put Stick on the comedy leaderboard, even in the "upbeat white guy" division.

There could be an enjoyable 90-minute comedy hidden away in here, but a full TV season painfully overstretches a standard sports underdog story until you just wish it would call it a day and go home.