Golf movies to watch when you can’t watch golf.

Right now, you can’t (or shouldn’t) play golf, let alone watch live golf on TV.

Sure, you could watch old matches. Or… you could stay home, stay safe and watch some of the most popular golf movies ever made.

Here is a list of top ten movies we’ve compiled, with an extra one thrown in. You might have them in a different order. Maybe even a few different ones. The point is,  just enjoy some golf movies now that you have the time!

  • Caddy shack (1980) — This all-time favorite grossed $40 million at the box office. Hey, who doesn’t like a dancing gopher! Caddyshack was directed by Harold Ramis and starred Michael O’Keefe, Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield, Ted Knight, and Bill Murray. This film and was a major boost to Dangerfield’s film career and is a comedy classic.
  • The greatest game ever played  (2005) — This biographical sports film is based on the early life of golf champion Francis Ouimet, often referred to as the “father” of modern golf. He won the U.S. Open in 1913 and was the first non-Briton elected Captain of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews. He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974. Wikipedia.
  • Happy Gilmore (1996)– Happy Gilmore is a 1996 sports comedy film starring fan-favorite Adam Sandler. He plays an unsuccessful ice hockey player who discovers a talent for golf. At least, for the driving portion of it! 

  • Tin Cup (1996) — Tin Cup is a 1996 romantic comedy starring Kevin Costner and Rene Russo. Costner plays a washed-up pro working at a driving range wh0 tries to qualify for the U.S. Open to win the love of his rival’s girlfriend. (Maybe if he knew his clubs’ loft and lie better, he wouldn’t have kept hitting the water hazzard on the 18th hole!)
  • The Legend of Bagger Vance (2000) —The Legend of Bagger Vance is a 2000 American sports comedy-drama film directed by Robert Redford, starring Will Smith, Matt Damon, and Charlize Theron. takes place in the U.S. state of Georgia in 1931 where a socialite announces a high-stakes match at her family’s struggling golf course. It’s where a down-and-out golfer (Matt Damon) attempts to recover his game and his life with help from a mystical caddy. Some critics are offended by how they feel the film glosses over issues of racism.
  • Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius (2004) — This biographical drama film based on the life of  (take a guess…) Bobby Jones! Jones is the only player in the sport to win all four of the men’s major golf championships in a single season. The film was the first motion picture concerning the Royal and Ancient Golf Club at St. Andrews that was given permission to film on location.
  • A gentleman’s game  (2001) — This film is a drama revolving around characters whose lives are transformed one summer at an exclusive East Coast country club. It’s there that Jim Price, an average guy who works hard and plays by the rules, quickly gains prestige at the country club through the accomplishments of his son. Stars Gary Sinese, Mason Gamble.

  • Dead Solid Perfect  (1988) — Dead Solid Perfect follows the life of a professional golfer on the PGA Tour. It was produced by HBO films and based on the novel of the same name by Dan Jenkins. It stars Randy Quaid who plays Kenny Lee, a talented but underachieving pro golfer trying to break through on the tour while learning that the most important things in life go far beyond the game.
  • Follow the Sun: The Ben Hogan Story (1951) — Telling the story of the legendary Ben Hogan, it covers his early days working as a caddy to maintain his family life and stay close to the game he loves. He reaches the top of pro golfing, gets in a terrible car accident, recovers and resumes his career thanks to the love and support of family and fans. It stars Glenn Ford as Hogan and Anne Baxter as his wife. Many golfers and sports figures of the day appear in the movie.
  • The Caddy (1953) — The Caddy centers around Harvey Miller (Jerry Lewis), whose father was a famous golf pro. He wanted Harvey to follow in his footsteps, but poor Harvey is afraid of crowds. Instead, at the advice of his fiancée Lisa (Barbara Bates), Harvey becomes a golf instructor. Lisa’s brother Joe (Dean Martin) becomes Harvey’s first client and becomes good enough to start playing in tournaments, with Harvey tagging along as his caddie.

  • Pat and Mike(1952) — This blast from the past features Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy, and is still a classic comedy. An excellent golfer, Pat’s chances at her club championship are dashed when her husband is present. His goal is for them to marry, and forget about everything. However, Pat is determined to succeed. Her new manager works to keep them apart, as he has his own feelings for her.

In between movies and you have a question for Patrick? Give him a call!
Patrick Gallagher, PGA
Director of Golf Operations, Mitchell Golf
P: 800-437-1314   M: 989-858-6221

 

Leave a Comment