Bump and Running: The Robert Awater story

When you risk it all on a dream...

Catch Me If You Can meets Tin Cup

In February 2005, BBE optioned Robert Atwater's life story rights. Atwater was indicted in 1990 on money laundering and drug charges for his participation in one of the largest drug rings in Georgia. He disappeared and evaded the FBI, "hiding out" as a golf caddie throughout the country. He was discovered playing golf in the televised 2001 SBC Senior Classic, a regular event on the PGA senior tour.

Robert Atwater (aka Darren Muarry) had caddied in the SBC tournament the previous year. He conned the sponsors into giving him a sponsor's exemption to play. Atwater was a crowd favorite due to his unique cross handed grip and his "caddie turned pro golfer" feel-good story. The Los Angeles Times article and his popularity in the tournament exposed Atwater's secret to federal authorities.

After a dozen years on the lam using multiple aliases, it was Robert Atwater's love of golf and his one chance to play in a professional tournament that led to his eventual capture and imprisonment. Asked if it was worth it, he answered without a doubt, "yes."

Numerous media sources (Sports Illustrated, ESPN, Golf Digest and the LA Times) all covered Atwater’s incredible story.

In 2007, BBE partnered with Inspired By….Films (Kevin Michael Smith, Nicole Renna) to develop the story into a feature film script. “Bump and Running: The Robert Atwater Story” was written by WGA Writer, Kevin Michael Smith, (Pride - 2006, Roots - 2009). BBE and Inspired By….Films are in the process of seeking a book and feature film deal.

"Fugitive On Tour" - Sports Illustrated - 3/08/04

"Fugitive Marks Time On Senior Tour" - Atlanta Constitution Journal - 12/12/04

"Senior In The Slammer" - Golf Digest - 3/03

"This Golfer Finally Caught in a Bad Lie" - LA Times - 12/13/02

"Muarry Turns Heads at Senior Tournament" - LA Times - 3/8/01

LOGLINE: After a dozen years on the lam using multiple aliases, it was one man’s love of golf and his one chance to play in a PGA tournament the led to his criminal past catching up to him.

PLOT SUMMARY: Darren Muarry had spent his life dreaming of playing on the PGA Tour. In 2001, his dream became a reality when he was sponsored to play in the SBC Classic on the Senior PGA Tour. His peculiar cross-handed grip and booming drives left spectators in awe and fellow competitors shaking their heads. Darren Muarry signed autographs and captivated the media during the three day tournament, while putting himself in position to break a course record. As soon as he finished his remarkable fairy tale round a U-S Marshall arrested him.

It turned out Darren Muarry was really Robert Atwater… a con man and a fugitive, who had spent the past 12 years on the lam, dodging the U-S Marshalls. His passion for golf took him his ultimate dream and the woman, who turned out to be the love of his life. That same passion for golf was also his undoing.

Robert Atwater can’t contain his infectious smile whenever “golf” is mentioned. His pride in his peculiar cross-handed grip and his eagerness to talk about how far and how straight he can hit a golf ball belies his fear of recognition.

Having spent 12 years running from the law, Robert is suspicious of everyone he encounters. His amicable personality allows him to fit in with every class of people, from the country club millionaire, to the hired help.

Robert Atwater, with Producers Deborah Raguse and Nick Delfino during a visit to the Taft Correctional Facility, Taft, CA

It’s his charisma that charms not only the members of Wilshire Country Club, in particular Lewellen Scott III, but also Haley Elisabeth, who finds him irresistible.

Living a lie has worn on Robert. The opportunity to live his dream and play on the Senior PGA Tour at the expense of being “found out,” is as much an opportunity for him to escape the 12-year lie that has stolen his identity and his life.

The Robert Atwater Story is a true story that shows how much a dream is worth…everything. Robert Atwater is serving time until 2011 in FCI Terminal Facility in San Pedro, California.

Atwater Development Worksheet

Atwater Script