When it comes to golf, we love experiencing being on the course with our friends, smacking some balls and looking forward to the drink afterwards, but we also love watching some of the best in the business battle it out in the most prestigious tournaments.
But while all this is fun, it can be even better when watching a good old classic golf movie. Even though it might not seem obvious, the sport of golf has been the basis for some classic films over the years. So maybe it is time to take a break from playing and kick back and relax and watch some of the best golf movies.
This is where we come in as we list 5 of the best golf movies of all time.
5: The Greatest Game Ever Played – 2005
During the days where golf was seen as a sport for the richest men around, Francis Ouimet, played by Shia LeBeouf, changed how the sport was viewed forever. Set in 1913, it follows Francis’ pursuit, against his father’s wishes, to become the first ever amateur to win the U.S. Open. The film, based on a true story, sees Francis come up against a childhood idol of his, Harry Vardon, played by Stephen Dilane. Without ruining the story, it is certainly up their as one of the most inspirational sporting films ever made and does provide a fascinating take on how the sport was played over 100 years ago.
4: The Legend of Bagger Vance – 2000
This film is filled with a star-studded lineup including Will Smith, Matt Damon and Charlize Theron, meaning you already know it is going to be good. Directed by Robert Redford, it explores the world of golf through the eyes of Hardy Greaves, who reminisces about his adoration for the sport after suffering his sixth heart attack while playing. However, the film is not about him, but instead about caddy Bagger Vance. Both aim to help out former golfer, Rannulph Junuh, who has been suffering from alcoholism and depression, reproduce his love for the sport again. This is the type of film which makes you desire the history of the sport.
3: Happy Gilmore – 1996
Without focusing on the aspect of golf or even sport, Happy Gilmore is still regarded as one of the all-time classics. Starring the hilarious Adam Sandler as Happy Gilmore, it follows Happy after his failure in becoming a hockey player and instead deciding to try his luck at golf. He takes up the sport in the aim of helping his grandmother keep her home from being taken away from her by the IRS. As he is coached and improves, he finds himself up against professional Shooter McGavin who is extremely arrogant. As well as creating the well-known “Happy Gilmore swing” the film is hysterical and certainly a fan favorite.
2: Tin Cup – 1996
Released in the same year as Happy Gilmore, Tin Cup was definitely just as good. It follows Roy McAvoy, played by Kevin Costner, a golfer who did not live up to his potential and owns a driving range. He then gets the chance to get closer to the game he previously loved, by becoming a caddie. As a result, he rediscovers his love again but then begins to engage in a rivalry with the golfer he caddied, David Simms, played by Don Johnson. This leads to a memorable battle between both which not only involves the sport by also involves David’s girlfriend, Molly Griswold. As a result, this film is filled with the perfect amount of comedy, romance and drama, making it an all-time classic.
1: Caddyshack – 1980
A timeless classic, Caddyshack had to be placed first on the list. Directed by Harold Ramis, the film is brimful of funny characters and endless quotable moments. Featuring the likes of Bill Murray and Chevy Chase, it is one of the funniest sports films ever made. But it also has a great story. The Bushwood Country Club, run by president Judge Elihu Smails, is not all what it seems. Ty Webb and Al Czervik work together to work it all out but then there is young caddie Danny Noonan who looks to get his life back in the right direction by entering himself in a tournament. However, due to the suspicious goings-on at the clubhouse, it is not all plain sailing. It has all the ingredients for it to be the best golf movie ever made.
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