TJ Oshie’s a natural actor in this nearly six-minute SAP commercial with golf legend Ernie Els

September 13, 2019 12:59 pm

TJ Oshie filmed a commercial for SAP Sports with golf legend Ernie Els in early August.

“Such an awesome experience working with @ernieelsgolf today on the set for @sapsports new commercial,” Oshie wrote on Instagram. “Definitely out of my comfort zone but Producer #RickyMabe and everyone behind the scenes made it a lot easier. Thanks @sapsports and @nhlpa for the opportunity!”

The Capitals forward might have felt uneasy in his first major acting gig, but the finished product shows Oshie is a star both on and off the ice.

The commercial, entitled Being Captain With The Big Easy, shows Els mentoring three golfers struggling with confidence and focus. There’s subtle promotion for SAP’s offerings as a management company, but a majority of the clip is showing what true leadership is through humor.

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The commercial shows Els helping Oshie and two other characters, Maxine and Sam. They look on starstruck as Els nails a putt from the green.

The first part deals with Maxine’s noisy fans problems.

“So Maxine, tell me some of your issues,” Els asks.

“In 140 characters or less, I have a social media problem,” Maxine responds.

“Funny, I thought you could never make too many birdies,” Els jokes.

Everyone laughs to the point where, uh oh, now I am laughing too off screen.

Maxine snorts.

“I’ve seen ugly cats with a bigger following,” Sam tells Oshie.

“There’s no such thing as an ugly cat,” a very serious TJ responds.

“Aren’t you a professional hockey player. What are you doing here?”

“I like golf and cats,” Oshie says.

Later, Oshie has his own private time with Els and gets help with his noisy mind.

“TJ, this is a golf problem right?” Els asks.

“I took over as captain a charity golf team and it’s tougher than a post-game interview,” Oshie replies.

“Ok, well let’s see your stuff.”

Oshie is so paralyzed with his decision making that he struggles to take a swing at the ball. “Do you think the bump-and-run is too safe? Or should I fly it to the hole?” Oshie asks Els.

“TJ, are you second-guessing your decisions?”

“Never happens on the ice,” Oshie says.

“We have to accept that we all make mistakes, but you can feel more confident if you do your research beforehand,” Els replies. “The more prepared you are, the better the odds.”

And then another joke.

“Thanks, coach.”

“Call me Ernie.”

“Thanks, Coach Ernie,” Oshie says.

Then there’s awkwardness, awkward laughter, and a random shot of ducks.

Oshie proudly posted a link to the YouTube Thursday night before Capitals Training Camp.