Films about golfers have been a popular theme in cinema, capturing the challenges, triumphs, and personal journeys of those involved in the sport. These films often showcase the dedication, perseverance, and competitive spirit that golfers possess. Here are some existing films that center around golfers:
“Caddyshack”, 1980
Director: Harold Ramis
This classic comedy film follows the misadventures of a young caddy, Danny Noonan, as he navigates his way through the eccentric personalities and outrageous situations at the Bushwood Country Club.
Starring: Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield, Ted Knight, Michael O'Keefe, Bill Murray, Sarah Holcomb, Scott Colomby, Cindy Morgan, Dan Resin, Henry Wilcoxon, Elaine Aiken, Albert Salmi, Ann Ryerson, Hamilton Mitchell, Peter Berkrot, John F. Barmon Jr., Lois Kibbee, Brian McConnachie, Scott Powell, Ann Crilley, Cordis Heard, Scott Sudden, Jackie Davis, Thomas A. Carlin, Minerva Scelza, Kenneth Burritt, Rebecca Burritt, Barbara Keegan, Scott Jackson, Ron Frank, Patricia Wilcox, Debi Frank, Tony Gulliver, Kim Bordeaux, Lori Lowe, Marcus Breece, Mark Chiriboga, Fred Buch, Frank Schuller, Mel Pape, Marge McKenna, Bruce McLaughlin, Dennis McCormack, Violet Ramis, Judy Arman, Dr. Dow, Paige Coffman, Donna M. Wiggin, James Hotchkiss;
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
Starring Kevin Costner, this sports comedy-drama tells the story of Roy McAvoy, a talented golfer with a self-destructive streak. Determined to prove himself, McAvoy sets out to qualify for the U.S. Open.
Starring: Kevin Costner, Rene Russo, Don Johnson, Cheech Marin, Linda Hart, Dennis Burkley, Rex Linn, Lou Myers, Richard Lineback, George Perez, Mickey Jones, Michael Milhoan, Gary McCord, Craig Stadler, Peter Jacobsen, Jim Nantz, Ken Venturi, Ben Wright, Frank Chirkinian, Lance Barrow, Brian Hammons, Mike Ritz, Peter Kostis, Jimmy Roberts, George Michael, Kris Ancira, Sharyn McCreedy, Gregory Avellone, Kevin Wilson, Susan A. Cabral, Del Roy, Sanford Gibbons, Arina Gasanova, Bill Caplan, Sharon Costner, Bill Costner, Joe Costner, Rob Harris, Nick Kiriazis, Tom Todoroff, Frederick Lewis, Jess King, Harold G. Herthum, Allan Malamud, Melissa Young, Steven «Sven» Lewison, Brad Britton, Corey Pavin, Phil Mickelson, Fred Couples;
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 Legend of Bagger Vance”, 2000
Director: Robert Redford
Set in the 1930s, this film follows the journey of a disillusioned golfer, Rannulph Junuh, who rediscovers his passion for the game with the help of a mysterious caddy named Bagger Vance, played by Will Smith.
Starring: Will Smith, Matt Damon, Charlize Theron, Bruce McGill, Joel Gretsch, J. Michael Moncrief, Peter Gerety, Lane Smith, Michael O'Neill, Dermot Crowley, Thomas Jay Ryan, Jack Lemmon, Carrie Preston, Trip Hamilton, Harve Presnell, Danny Nelson, Bob Penny, Michael McCarty, Turner Green, Blake King, Andrea Powell, John Bennes, Jonathan Ignatius Green, Shane Brown, J. Don Ferguson, E. Roger Mitchell, Leon Lamar, Charles Riffenburg IV, Cory Carbaugh, Charles Seabrook, Bilaal Salaam, Charles Ward, George Green, Julie Jones, Valanie Lang, Bernard Hocke, Dan Beene, Elliott Street, Wilbur Fitzgerald, Sonny Seiler, Joseph P. Reidy, Tannis Stoops, Dearing Paige Hockman, Erika Mounts, Neil Gonzaga, Ronald Steppe, Hugh Baggett, Jabulani Brown, Vijay Patel, Steven Morse;
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
Adam Sandler stars as the title character, a failed hockey player who discovers his powerful golf swing and enters the world of professional golf to save his grandmother's house from being repossessed.
Starring: Adam Sandler, Christopher McDonald, Julie Bowen, Frances Bay, Carl Weathers, Allen Covert, Robert Smigel, Bob Barker, Richard Kiel, Dennis Dugan, Joe Flaherty, Lee Trevino, Kevin Nealon, Verne Lundquist, Jared Van Snellenberg, Ken Camroux-Taylor, Rich Elwood, Nancy Hillis, Helena Yea, Will Sasso, Dee Jay Jackson, Ellie Harvie, Ian Boothby, Andrew Johnston, Kim Restell, Fred Perron, Helen Honeywell, Paul Raskin, William Samples, John Shaw, Ted Deekan, John Destry, James Crescenzo, Brett Armstrong, Peter Kelamis, Stephen Tibbetts, Ed Lieberman, Donnie MacMillan, Louis O'Donoghue, Lisanne Collett, Stephen Dimopoulos, Douglas Newell, Frank L. Frazier, David Kaye, Zachary Webb, Simon Webb, Mark Lye, Betty Linde, Dave Cameron, Louis Kliman;
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
“The Greatest Game Ever Played”, 2005
Director: Bill Paxton
Based on a true story, this film recounts the remarkable journey of amateur golfer Francis Ouimet as he competes in the 1913 U.S. Open, challenging the golfing elite of his time.
Starring: Shia LaBeouf, Marnie McPhail, Stephen Dillane, Josh Flitter, Peter Firth, Peyton List, Elias Koteas, Len Cariou, Stephen Marcus, James Paxton, Tom Rack, Armand Laroche, Peter Hurley, Gregory Terlecki, Jonathan Higgins, Matthew Knight, Luke Askew, Amanda Tilson, Jamie Merling, Eugenio Esposito, Robin Wilcock, Michael Sinelnikoff, Justin Ashforth, Arthur Holden, Nicolas Wright, Max Kasch, Danette Mackay, Scott Faulconbridge, George Asprey, Joe Jackson, Luke Kirby, Tim Peper, Mike «Nug» Nahrgang, Dawn Upshaw, James Bradford, Marc James Beauchamp, Michael Weaver, Pierre Boudreau, Dennis St John, Terry Reid, Stephen Spreekmeester, Philip Pretten, Patrick Whitebean, Walter Massey, Melissa Carter, Melanie Beaulne, J. Thibodeau, Alexina Cowan, Frank Fontaine, Marcel Jeannin;
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
“Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius”, 2004
Director: Rowdy Herrington
This biographical drama explores the life and career of legendary golfer Bobby Jones, who overcame personal struggles and physical ailments to become one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.
Starring: James Caviezel, Claire Forlani, Jeremy Northam, Malcolm McDowell, Aidan Quinn, Brett Rice, Connie Ray, Devon Gearhart, Bubba Lewis, Dan Albright, Paul Freeman, Alistair Begg, Hilton McRae, Elizabeth Omilami, Brian F. Durkin, Happy LaShelle, Allen O'Reilly, Larry Thompson, Tim Ware, David Van Horn, Rand Hopkins, Tom Arcuragi, Stephanie Sparks, Erin Áine, Larry Mayran, Kasey Brennan, Neely Glenn, Matthew Cornwell, Ted Huckabee, Richard Dobkin, Chris Pierce, Virginia Hopkins, Ted Manson, Andrew Masset, Pierre Brulatour, Mike Pniewski, Amerjit Deu, Mitch Dean, Michael Andrew, Julie Moore, Brian Bremer, MaryJean Feton, Dave Roberts, Jim Harley, Angie Fox, Eleanor Seigler, Justice Leak, Richard «John» Lackey III, Kelsey Walter;
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
These films offer a variety of perspectives on the world of golf, combining humor, drama, and inspiration to entertain audiences while highlighting the unique challenges and joys of the game.
The selection of films about golfers offers a captivating insight into the world of golf, showcasing the determination, passion, and resilience of the human spirit on and off the course. These films beautifully capture the artistry and challenges of the game, while also delving into the personal journeys of the golfers themselves, revealing their triumphs, failures, and the profound impact of the sport on their lives. Whether it's the pursuit of glory, the complexities of relationships, or the quest for self-discovery, these films about golfers resonate with audiences, reminding us that the game is not just about hitting a ball, but about the profound human experiences that unfold amidst the lush greens and fairways.
