The winter is long, which means there are only so many daylight hours to spend out on the course this weekend. And what happens when it’s raining or snowing? You may not be able to spend your every free moment actually golfing this winter, but that doesn’t mean you can’t think about golf 24/7.
Whether you’re looking for your off-season fix, or need something to put on the tube to unwind to post-game, these five classic golf movies can withstand near unlimited re-watching over the years. Keep reading for our list of the ultimate movies every golfer loves to watch again and again.
5. The Short Game
This is a newer movie on the scene, made popular by its presence on the Netflix instant watch system. If you’re sitting down to view this film for the first time, get ready to feel old and somewhat inadequate. This 2013 documentary follows a group of child prodigy golfers, as well as their families and coaches, as they each prepare for participation in the 2012 U.S. Kids Golf World Championship. If your ego can’t take 99 minutes of watching eight 7-year-olds chip and putt you into the ground, then we suggest rounding up your kids to watch. Hopefully, they’ll be inspired by all that intensity.
4. Tin Cup
How do you make a movie that pleases everyone and no one all at the same time? Produce a romantic comedy about golf. The classic golf film that’s so bad it’s good, “Tin Cup” stars Kevin Costner, Rene Russo and even Cheech Marin (from the incomparable “Cheech and Chong” series) as the protagonist’s caddy. Has-been golfer Roy “Tin Cup” McAvoy is the focus of a comeback story that seems far-fetched yet could be believable. Why do we love to watch this sloppy, arrogant antihero get the career and the woman? Because there’s golf in it!
3. The Legend of Bagger Vance
This 2000 film with A-listers Will Smith, Matt Damon and Charlize Theron gives the unsung professional caddy his day in the sun. While Matt Damon’s rendition of a promising southern golfer laid low by his part in World War I certainly pulls at our heartstrings, it’s Will Smith’s title character of the caddy that is the true hero of the story. Viewers are reminded that, while athletes are responsible for their own successes and victories, no one works alone. Caddies don’t just carry our clubs — they are our coaches and support systems, the experts on our teams.
2. Caddyshack
This timeless film may have premiered nearly 40 years ago, but that doesn’t mean it’s lost any of its juice. “Caddyshack” is undeniably one of the quintessential golf films of the 20th century. With marquee stars like Rodney Dangerfield, a young Chevy Chase and an even younger Bill Murray, “Caddyshack” has arguably earned its place among the top slapstick comedy films of all time. Do real caddies have this much fun at work? Maybe. Are their workdays this booze-fueled and hijinks-driven? Let’s hope not.
1. Happy Gilmore
Although “Caddyshack” certainly gives this film a run for its money, “Happy Gilmore” may have earned the title of “Best Golf Film Beloved By Non-Golfers.” Besides the comedy stylings of the inimitable (although dated) Adam Sandler as an uncouth, unsuccessful hockey player who must break into the pro tour world to save his grandma’s house, viewers can enjoy the comic relief intrinsic in Carl Weathers’ rendition of a golf pro who lost his hand to an errant alligator in a water hazard. A young and beautiful Julie Bowen plays Happy’s classy love interest, and Christopher McDonald kills it as the smug antagonist, “Shooter” McGavin (who hasn’t run into a guy like this). This character and slapstick comedy-driven movie will knock the most serious pros on their butts from laughter. And who among us hasn’t secretly found themselves attempting that famous Happy Gilmore long drive? Spoiler alert: it works for Happy, but won’t work for your game.
This character and slapstick comedy-driven movie will knock the most serious pros on their butts from laughter. And who among us hasn’t secretly found themselves attempting that famous Happy Gilmore long drive? Spoiler alert: it works for Happy, but won’t work for your game.
— C. Pedroja
(Feature Photo Courtesy: Happy Gilmore Official Trailer, Trailerclips Movie Vault/Youtube)