Films about golf often blend sports drama with personal stories, exploring themes of ambition, legacy, passion, and the human spirit. Whether they focus on historical figures who have shaped the game or fictional tales that use golf as a backdrop for broader narratives, these films tap into the mental and emotional challenges of the sport. They can be comedies, dramas, or inspirational stories that celebrate the love for the game and its capacity to teach life lessons.
Here are some notable films about golf, along with brief descriptions:
“Caddyshack”, 1980
Director: Harold Ramis
This comedy classic set at an exclusive golf club features a young caddy who is determined to go to college, the eccentric members of the club, and a dancing gopher. Directed by Harold Ramis, it has become a cult favorite thanks to its irreverent humor and memorable characters.
Starring: Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield, Ted Knight, Michael O'Keefe, Bill Murray, Sarah Holcomb, Scott Colomby, Cindy Morgan, Dan Resin, Henry Wilcoxon;
Production year: 1980;
Genre: comedy, sport;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 98 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
More information about the film “Caddyshack” on the website imdb.com
“Tin Cup”, 1996
Director: Ron Shelton
In this romantic comedy-drama, Kevin Costner plays a talented but underachieving golfer who attempts to win the U.S. Open to prove himself and capture the heart of his rival's girlfriend. The film explores themes of love, redemption, and the pursuit of dreams.
Starring: Kevin Costner, Rene Russo, Don Johnson, Cheech Marin, Linda Hart, Dennis Burkley, Rex Linn, Lou Myers, Richard Lineback, George Perez;
Production year: 1996;
Genre: drama, melodrama, comedy, sport;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 135 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,4;
More information about the film “Tin Cup” on the website imdb.com
“The Greatest Game Ever Played”, 2005
Director: Bill Paxton
This historical sports drama is based on the true story of the 1913 US Open, where 20-year-old Francis Ouimet defeated his idol, the reigning champion Harry Vardon. An underdog story that highlights the class struggles surrounding the game at the time.
Starring: Shia LaBeouf, Marnie McPhail, Stephen Dillane, Josh Flitter, Peter Firth, Peyton List, Elias Koteas, Len Cariou, Stephen Marcus, James Paxton;
Production year: 2005;
Genre: drama, biography, sport;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 120 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
More information about the film “The Greatest Game Ever Played” on the website imdb.com
“The Legend of Bagger Vance”, 2000
Director: Robert Redford
Directed by Robert Redford, this film stars Will Smith as a mystical caddy, Bagger Vance, who helps a disillusioned war veteran played by Matt Damon to find his swing and himself during a high-stakes golf tournament.
Starring: Will Smith, Matt Damon, Charlize Theron, Bruce McGill, Joel Gretsch, J. Michael Moncrief, Peter Gerety, Lane Smith, Michael O'Neill, Dermot Crowley;
Production year: 2000;
Genre: drama, sport, melodrama, fantasy;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 126 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,7;
More information about the film “The Legend of Bagger Vance” on the website imdb.com
“Happy Gilmore”, 1996
Director: Dennis Dugan
A sports comedy in which Adam Sandler plays the titular character, a failed hockey player who discovers his unique talent for golf and attempts to win money to save his grandmother's house. The film is known for its slapstick humor and unusual approach to the game.
Starring: Adam Sandler, Christopher McDonald, Julie Bowen, Frances Bay, Carl Weathers, Allen Covert, Robert Smigel, Bob Barker, Richard Kiel, Dennis Dugan;
Production year: 1996;
Genre: comedy, sport;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 92 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7;
More information about the film “Happy Gilmore” on the website imdb.com
“Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius”, 2004
Director: Rowdy Herrington
This biographical drama chronicles the life and career of legendary golfer Bobby Jones, the only player to win all four major golf championships in a single season, culminating in his formation of the Masters Tournament.
Starring: James Caviezel, Claire Forlani, Jeremy Northam, Malcolm McDowell, Aidan Quinn, Brett Rice, Connie Ray, Devon Gearhart, Bubba Lewis, Dan Albright;
Production year: 2004;
Genre: drama, melodrama, biography, sport;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 123 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,6;
More information about the film “Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius” on the website imdb.com
“Follow the Sun”, 1951
Director: Sidney Lanfield
Considered one of the first golf movies, this biopic tells the story of Ben Hogan, one of the greatest golfers of all time, who overcame a near-fatal accident to return to championship form.
Starring: Glenn Ford, Anne Baxter, Dennis O'Keefe, June Havoc, Larry Keating, Roland Winters, Nana Bryant, Robert Adams, Philip Ahlm, Myrtle Anderson;
Production year: 1951;
Genre: drama, melodrama, biography, sport;
Duration: 93 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,4;
“The Caddy”, 1953
Director: Norman Taurog
A comedy starring Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, with Martin playing a promising golfer and Lewis as his caddy. The film includes cameos by well-known golfers of the time and features a mix of slapstick and musical numbers.
Starring: Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, Donna Reed, Barbara Bates, Joseph Calleia, Fred Clark, Clinton Sundberg, Howard Smith, Marshall Thompson, Marjorie Gateson;
Production year: 1953;
Genre: musical, comedy, sport;
Duration: 95 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,4;
“A Gentleman's Game”, 2002
Director: J. Mills Goodloe
A drama about a young golf prodigy who learns valuable lessons about life, class, and integrity from his caddy at an exclusive country club.
Starring: Mason Gamble, Gary Sinise, Philip Baker Hall, Dylan Baker, Henry Simmons, Ellen Muth, Brian Doyle-Murray, David Zayas, Kevin Thoms, Michael Della Femina, Robin Dorian, Linda Emond, Justin Goncalves, Greg Horos, Art Houston, Christopher Kadish, Brian Murphy, Jay Patterson, Greg Wood, Katryn Broido, Rick Kain;
Production year: 2002;
Genre: drama, sport;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 112 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,4;
More information about the film “A Gentleman's Game” on the website imdb.com
“Seven Days in Utopia”, 2011
Director: Matthew Dean Russell
After a disastrous debut on the pro tour, a young golfer finds himself stranded in Utopia, Texas, where he meets an eccentric rancher who teaches him the mental and spiritual aspects of the game.
Starring: Robert Duvall, Lucas Black, Melissa Leo, Deborah Ann Woll, Brian Geraghty, Kathy Baker, Joseph Lyle Taylor, Jerry Ferrara, K.J. Choi, Robert Bear;
Production year: 2011;
Genre: drama, sport;
MPAA rating: g;
Duration: 100 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,1;
More information about the film “Seven Days in Utopia” on the website imdb.com
These are just a few examples of films that use the game of golf as a significant part of their narrative, showcasing how the sport can be the perfect setting for storytelling.
In summation, films about golf, while fewer in number compared to other sports genres, have left an indelible mark on cinema and golf enthusiasts alike. They captivate with stories that transcend mere athletic achievement, delving into the human spirit, personal struggles, and the pursuit of greatness. Whether it's the raucous humor of “Caddyshack,” the heartfelt underdog story of “Tin Cup,” or the historical drama of “The Greatest Game Ever Played,” these films offer a rich tableau that reflects the complexities of the game itself. They inspire, entertain, and at times, offer poignant commentary on the social and personal aspects tied to the world of golf. What these films lack in quantity, they more than make up for in quality and lasting cultural impact, solidifying their place in the pantheon of sports cinema.
