10 Great Movies About Golf
Sep 19th 2017
When the cool weather sets in, it’s time to pack away your clubs, winterize your golf cart , and count down the days until you can get back out onto the course.
You can spend the off-season working on your fitness to improve your swing , or you can settle in and work your way through this list of great golf movies instead.
# 1 Caddyshack
This classic screwball comedy is a must-watch for anyone who wants to see the lighter side of the course. Based on writers Harold Ramis’ and Brian Doyle Murray’s experiences while caddying on golf courses over the summer, Caddyshack is a hilarious way to spend an afternoon. With plenty of one-liners and crazy antics, it’s no wonder Caddyshack is among the favorite films of so many golfers.
With so many huge comedy greats, such as Chevy Chase and Rodney Dangerfield, it is hard to pick a favorite moment but, undoubtedly, it is Bill Murray’s gopher-obsessed groundskeeper that steals the show.
#2 Happy Gilmore
You may not think that Adam Sandler and golf comedy go together, but this early comedy gem is one of Sandler’s better films.
Happy is an ex-hockey player with a sick grandma and an unorthodox but impressive swing. Guided by his one-handed coach (played by the surprisingly hilarious Carl Weathers), Happy takes his hockey skills and hits the links, working his way up through the ranks to win some cash to save his grandmother.
It is the perfect combination of hilarity and sentimentality, though the technicians among you may have some cringe worthy moments watching some seriously questionable golfing techniques.
#3 The Legend of Bagger Vance
With a gorgeous setting and a stellar cast, it is hard to go wrong with The Legend of Bagger Vance.
Set during the depression, an old man old man reminisces about the golfing idol that kindled his love for the game and the mysterious stranger that turned a player into an icon. The story creates an interesting metaphorical parallel between love and golf that many avid golfers can relate to.
#4 The Greatest Game Ever Played
This is a fantastic flick for any golfer with an interest in golf history. It tells the story of a young amateur golfer going up against some of Britain’s golfing giants in the early 20 th century. This historic game is widely credited as the impetus for the rise in popularity of golf in the U.S.
#5 Tin Cup
This romantic comedy is surprisingly one of Kevin Costner’s better roles. It does help that Costner plays golf, giving the role a little authenticity, but he also spent hours with professional golfer Gary McCord, training for the role.
Costner plays jaded former pro golfer, Roy McAvoy, who is persuaded to try out for the U.S. Open, where he displays a unique style of play. Spoiler alert: Golfers should prepare for a rise in blood pressure during one of the final scenes when Costner continually hits balls into a water hazard to make a point.
#6 Tommy’s Honor
A complex biographical film about the difficult relationship between Scottish father and son golfers, Old and Young Tom Morris.
Old Tom Morris is a renowned golfer and is notable as the founder of the first major golf tournament, the Open Championship, which he won twice. His son, Young Tom, is also a talented golfer and soon begins to outshine his father, causing tension between the two.
The film weaves the tense relationship with class and social unrest to make an interesting commentary on tradition and progress. As a bonus, the movie was shot on location at St. Andrews, making for some amazing golf scenery which should enthrall even casual golfers.
#7 Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius
A heartfelt homage to one of golf’s legends, Bobby Jones. During the 1930s, he was the first and only player to win all four of the men’s major golf tournament in a single year. The film was also the first movie allowed to be shot at the famous golf course, St. Andrews.
#8 Dead Solid Perfect
Although one of the more obscure titles on the list, Dead Solid Perfect has quite a cult following among golfers—even PGA champion John Daly ranks it among his favorite films.
Based on the bestselling novel of the same name by Dan Jenkins , it follows the story of an underachieving pro golfer as he tours courses around the U.S. trying to find success.
#9 The Caddy
For lovers of classic films, this one is for you. The loveable duo Martin and Lewis team up in this antic-filled golf comedy.
Lewis plays an instructor whose performance anxiety gets the better of him, and Martin plays the talented student who enlists Lewis as his caddy. Watch out for some of the biggest golf stars of the 50s who make cameos as themselves.
#10 A Gentleman’s Game
Finally, a film about how golf can teach life lessons. This tells the story of a young boy, Timmy, who shows promise as a golfer, so he caddies at an exclusive club over the summer to learn the nuances of the game. Guided by a professional golfer, he learns not only about life and golf but also about social class and privilege along the way.