The 5 greatest golfing movies

Capturing the spirit and essence of any sport on screen has always been filled with danger. We’re so used to seeing these games on our TV they never really transfer to the big screen. Golf is no exception. It’s a shame as there have been many truly inspirational stories in the sport. Add to this the tension of the final putt, the glamour of the big competitions and the history of the game and it’s surprising more filmmakers haven’t used golf to tell bigger stories.

But there have been a few that have either managed to accurately reflect the joys of the game or have used it as a background for a different kind of story. In no particular order, here are our favourites.

(Warning: If you’ve not seen these movies, there will be spoilers)

Tin Cup

Kevin Costner is no stranger to the sports movie. In his long career he’s been on the baseball field (many times), been a cyclist and even had a flirtation with boxing. But Tin Cup is one of his highlights, playing the washed up golfer, Roy McAvoy. It has all the hallmarks of a classic underdog movie, as Costner attempts to regain his former glory after falling for his golfing rival’s girlfriend.

Best golfing moment

The final drop shot. With an unlikely Open win just a lay-up away, Costner decides to go for broke. Instead of laying up on the final hole, he goes for the green – 12 times. We’ve all been there – we know we can make the shot and won’t give up until we’ve hit that perfect swing. Even if it costs us a few shots – or the US Open.
   

The Legend of Bagger Vance

Despite having a host of A-list talent both behind the camera and in front (it was directed by Robert Redford and starred Will Smith, Matt Damon and Charlize Theron) it didn’t exactly set the box office alight. But it’s still a heart-warming, and occasionally magical film looking at how we sometimes need a helping hand with our game. Even if it is in the form of a mystical caddie.

Best golfing moment

The authentic swing. Bagger claims that we’ve all got one authentic swing inside of us – something every golfer probably believes and is looking for. He argues that the training, pressure and other outside forces hide the swing over time. We’ve got to remember it. 
   

Caddyshack

A more comical look at the social side of golf, this 80s classic is famous for Bill Murray’s gopher-hating grounds keeper. But there are great performances throughout from the likes of Chevy Chase and Rodney Dangerfield. Despite its comedic tone, it’s actually an interesting look at the game during the 80s, when it was seen as something only for the elite, with their treatment of young caddy, Danny, a reflection on the era and not the game today.

Best golfing moment

Cinderella story, Billy Murray’s grounds keeper lining up his shot. “What an incredible Cinderella story,” mutters Murray before swinging and perfectly taking the tops off a row of flowers. Every golfer has done it at some point - dreamed about playing at a big tournament while taking the heads off dandelions in the rough.
   

Happy Gilmore

Another comedy, this mixes Caddyshack-style laughs with a classic underdog story. Again, it skewers the perceived rich-boys club of golf with Adam Sandler’s former hockey player turning to golf to save his grandmother’s house. His hockey-style attitude (and playing style) clashes with the ‘stuck up’ pro golfers.

Best golfing moment

The Happy Gilmore Swing. Instead of the still, focussed swing, Gilmore opts for a less traditional running technique – and to good effect. It’s harder to do in real life than it looks. Don’t pretend you haven’t tried.
   

The Greatest Game Ever Played

One of the few golfing movies to take inspiration from real life, though an honourable mention must also go to Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius. This movie focusses on the great Harry Vardon (of the Vardon grip fame) as a young pretender goes up against him in the 1913 Open. Again, it focusses on the class barriers that were apparent in the early days of golf.

Best golfing moment

‘Read it, roll it, hole it’. The pressure putt to end all pressure putts. Shia LaBeouf’s Francis Ouimet has to hole his final putt to become the first amateur to win the US Open. With the advice of ‘read it, roll it, hole it’ from his 10-year-old caddie, he steps up to the putt after a three-way tie knowing that if he holes it, he will have beaten his idol, the great Vardon.