Golf movies have a unique charm that appeals to both golf enthusiasts and casual viewers alike. Whether you’re a seasoned player, a fan of the sport, or just looking for an entertaining film, there’s something about golf movies that captivates audiences.
From hilarious comedies like “Caddyshack” to inspirational dramas like “The Greatest Game Ever Played,” these films offer a mix of humor, life lessons, and thrilling moments on the greens. Let’s explore some of the most memorable golf movies that bring the golf course to life on the big screen.
Comedies
1. Happy Gilmore (1996)
Starring Adam Sandler, Christopher McDonald, Julie Bowen
A failed hockey player with a temper takes up golf to save his grandmother’s house, shaking up the golf world with his unorthodox style.
2. Caddyshack (1980)
Starring Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield, Bill Murray
At an exclusive golf club, the antics of the staff and a disruptive new member lead to chaos on the greens. This one is a comedy classic favorites, no matter what theme you are looking for.
3. The Caddy (1953)
Starring Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis
A caddy and his golfer buddy rise to fame, but their partnership faces challenges due to their differing ambitions.
4. Who’s Your Caddy? (2007)
Starring Big Boi, Jeffrey Jones, Terry Crews
A rap mogul tries to join an exclusive golf club, but his unconventional ways clash with the uptight members.
5. The Foursome (2006)
Starring Kevin Dillon, John Shaw, Chris Gauthier
Four college buddies reunite for their annual golf weekend, where old rivalries and new dramas unfold.
6. Golfballs! (1999)
Starring Tom Arnold, Shari Shattuck, John Corey
A struggling country club enlists the help of a rowdy golf pro and his motley crew to save it from closure. Fair warning, this one has a pretty low IMDB rating of just 3.9. But if slapstick humor is your thing it may be for you.
7. Golf Punks (1998)
Starring Tom Arnold, James Kirk, Rene Tenison
An ex-golf pro turned misfit coach takes on the challenge of transforming a group of misfit kids into a competitive golf team. If you are a National Lampoon’s fan, this one will be right up your alley.
8. Caddyshack II (1988)
Starring Jackie Mason, Robert Stack, Dyan Cannon
A wealthy contractor tries to join an exclusive country club, but his outrageous behavior causes a series of comedic mishaps.
Dramas
9. Tin Cup (1996)
Starring Kevin Costner, Rene Russo, Don Johnson
A washed-up golf pro tries to qualify for the U.S. Open to win the heart of his rival’s girlfriend.
10. The Legend of Bagger Vance (2000)
Starring Will Smith, Matt Damon, Charlize Theron
A disillusioned war veteran finds his way back to the game of golf with the help of a mysterious caddy.
11. The Greatest Game Ever Played (2005)
Starring Shia LaBeouf, Stephen Dillane, Elias Koteas
The true historical drama of Francis Ouimet, an underdog amateur who won the 1913 U.S. Open against all odds. Maybe one of the best golf movies, with an IMDB rating of 7.4. This one was also nominated for an ESPY Award in 2006 for Best Sports Movie.
12. Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius (2004)
Starring Jim Caviezel, Claire Forlani, Jeremy Northam
A biographical film about the life of golf legend Bobby Jones and his journey to becoming one of the greatest golfers of all time.
13. Dead Solid Perfect (1988)
Starring Randy Quaid, Kathryn Harrold, Jack Warden
A professional golfer battles personal and professional challenges in his quest to win on the PGA Tour.
14. Seve: The Movie (2014)
Starring José Luis Gutiérrez, José Navar, Maria Molins
A biographical drama about the life and career of Spanish golfer Seve Ballesteros.
15. Tommy’s Honour (2016)
Starring Jack Lowden, Peter Mullan, Ophelia Lovibond
The story of Tom Morris and his son Tommy, pioneers of professional golf in the 19th century.
Inspirational
16. From the Rough (2013)
Starring Taraji P. Henson, Michael Clarke Duncan, Tom Felton
The true story of Catana Starks, the first woman to coach a men’s college golf team to national championships.
17. Seven Days in Utopia (2011)
Starring Lucas Black, Robert Duvall, Melissa Leo
After a disastrous debut on the pro tour, a young golfer finds himself stranded in Utopia, Texas, where he learns life lessons that change his game.
18. A Gentleman’s Game (2002)
Starring Mason Gamble, Dylan Baker, Philip Baker Hall
A young golf prodigy learns about the complexities of life and the sport through his interactions with an ex-golf pro.
19. A Shot in the Dark (2005)
Starring Paul Rudd, Stephen Dillane, Johnny Knoxville
A young golfer with a unique swing overcomes personal and professional obstacles to succeed.
Biographical
20. Follow the Sun (1951)
Starring Glenn Ford, Anne Baxter, Dennis O’Keefe
The story of Ben Hogan, who overcame a near-fatal car accident to become one of golf’s greatest players.
21. The Short Game (2013, documentary)
Starring Allan Kournikova, Alexa Pano, Amari Avery
A documentary following eight young golfers as they compete in the 2012 U.S. Kids Golf World Championship.
22. Bagger Vance: A Legend of Strength and Spirit (2002, documentary)
Starring Various golf legends
This documentary explores the themes and impact of the film “The Legend of Bagger Vance,” featuring insights from real golf legends.
23. Loopers: The Caddie’s Long Walk (2019, documentary)
Starring Bill Murray (narrator), various caddies and golfers
A documentary highlighting the unique bond between golfers and their caddies, with insights from caddies and famous golfers.
24. The Story of Golf (1999, documentary)
Starring Various golf historians and players
A comprehensive documentary exploring the history of golf from its origins to modern times. Featuring interviews and archival footage of PGA tour players including Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Arnold Palmer. With an IMDB rating of 8.5 this may be one of the best films on the list. This one may be difficult to find as it was made for TV. However, it is currently available on Apple TV occasionally airs on the Golf Channel. Check your other streaming services as well! If you are an Amazon Prime shopper, you can grab it on DVD here.
More To Watch
25. Pat and Mike (1952)
Starring Spencer Tracy, Katharine Hepburn
A sports promoter helps a talented athlete, whose prowess extends to multiple sports, including golf, to achieve her potential.
26. The Squeeze (2015)
Starring Jeremy Sumpter, Jillian Murray, Christopher McDonald
A young golf phenom becomes embroiled in high-stakes gambling matches, risking everything to get out of debt.
27. Golf in the Kingdom (2010)
Starring David O’Hara, Mason Gamble, Malcolm McDowell
A philosophical journey of a young man learning about life and golf in Scotland, based on the novel by Michael Murphy.
28. Banning (1967)
Starring Robert Wagner, Jill St. John, Gene Hackman
A golf pro finds himself entangled in romantic and financial trouble at an exclusive country club.
29. Miracle on the 17th Green (1999)
Starring Robert Urich, Meredith Baxter, Donnelly Rhodes
A middle-aged man rekindles his love for golf and competes in the Senior PGA Tour, finding renewed purpose in his life.
30. The Phantom of the Open (2021)
Starring Mark Rylance, Sally Hawkins, Rhys Ifans
The true story of Maurice Flitcroft, a humble crane operator who manages to gain entry to The British Open Golf Championship, despite never having played a round of golf before.
31. Swing Away (2016)
Starring Shannon Elizabeth, John O’Hurley, Karl Theobald
After a professional meltdown, a golfer retreats to her grandparents’ village in Greece, where she rediscovers her love for the game and helps a young girl aspiring to be a golf champion.
Golf movies capture the history and core of the golf game, blending the thrill of competition with the introspective journey of the sport. Whether it’s the humorous antics in “Caddyshack,” the inspirational story in “The Greatest Game Ever Played,” or the mystical guidance in “The Legend of Bagger Vance,” these films offer something for every viewer.
As you watch these movies, you’ll witness characters striving to find their full swing and achieve greatness, often led by a legendary hero who embodies the spirit and wisdom of golf. These films not only entertain but also celebrate the timeless appeal and profound lessons of the golf game, solidifying their place among the best movies about this beloved sport.
Do you have a favorite golf movie that didn’t make our list? Keep the list going by sharing in the comments!