When it comes to sports movies, some of our favorite films have always been golf adjacent. There’s just something about this slow-paced and overwhelmingly frustrating game that we can’t get enough of. So now that spring has arrived, it feels like the perfect time to go back and re-watch some of the best golf movies of all time.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a complete amateur, these great golf films have a little something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to experience the drama of the game through a comedy or a biographical spotlight, we’ve got you covered.
Caddyshack (1980)
Caddyshack is one of the best comedy movies of all time, and it’s also the best golf movie. Hilarious and unconventional, Caddyshack envelops so many zany characters and storylines that you’ll want to follow. The main character, Danny Noonan (Michael O’Keefe), is a young and impressionable caddy at a high-class Country Club who is just trying to get some scholarship money to afford an education. With Rodney Dangerfield and Chevy Chase thrown into the mix, it only gets better from there.
Director: Harold Ramis
Main Characters: Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield, Bill Murray
Runtime: 98 minutes
IMDb Rating: 7.3
Rent on Amazon
The Greatest Game Ever Played (2005)
The greatest game ever played is more than just a golf movie, it’s a look into golf history. The story follows a young, working-class boy named Francis Ouimet (Shia Labeouf) as he tries to make his dreams of becoming a golf champion a reality. Though it’s primarily a drama, there are bits of humor and action sprinkled in throughout the film — which is why it made our list of the best movies on Disney+.
Director: Bill Paxton
Main Characters: Shia LaBeouf, Stephen Dillane, Elias Koteas
Runtime: 120 minutes
IMDb Rating: 7.4
Watch on Disney+
Happy Gilmore (1996)
Happy Gilmore is one of the best Adam Sandler movies you will ever see. The story follows Happy (Adam Sandler) who is a wannabe hockey player. After accidentally finding out his talents truly shine on the golf course, he takes up the game to raise enough money so that his grandmother can keep her house. However, his unorthodox approach to the game creates havoc along the way.
Director: Dennis Dugan
Main Characters: Adam Sandler, Christopher McDonald, Julie Bowen
Runtime: 92 minutes
IMDb Rating: 7.0
Tin Cup (1996)
The story follows a washed-up golf pro (Kevin Costner) who spends most of his time working at a driving range. But when he begins to fall in love with the girlfriend of his greatest rival, he decides to try his hand and qualifying for the U.S. Open to win her heart. It’s a classic golf tale of choosing to go for it or laying up and playing it safe.
Director: Ron Shelton
Main Characters: Kevin Costner, Rene Russo, Don Johnson
Runtime: 135 minutes
IMDb Rating: 6.4
Rent on Amazon
The Legend of Bagger Vance (2000)
The Legend of Bagger Vance is a heart-warming story of personal fulfillment and triumph over the obstacles in our lives. The story follows a down-and-out golfer (Matt Damon) who suddenly finds himself with a chance to play with two of the greats in his hometown of Savannah, Georgia. With the help of mystical caddy (Will Smith) who seemingly appears out of nowhere, he learns to recover his golf game — and in turn, his life.
Director: Robert Redford
Main Characters: Will Smith, Matt Damon, Charlize Theron
Runtime: 126 minutes
IMDb Rating: 6.7
From the Rough (2013)
Based on the true story of the first woman to coach a men’s college golf team, From the Rough follows the story of Dr. Catana Starks (Carol Sutton). Through sheer grit and determination, she does everything she can to guide her rag-tag group of golfers to a record championship season. Oh, and it also has Malfoy in it.
Director: Pierre Bagley
Main Characters: Carol Sutton, Tom Felton, Michael Clarke Duncan
Runtime: 137 minutes
IMDb Rating: 6.7
Rent on Amazon
Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius (2004)
As a biographical drama, this movie is a tribute to golfing legend Bobby Jones. The story follows Bobby jones as he rises from obscurity to become one of the most well-known golfing legends in history. It’s a look into his past life as he worked to overcome his own temper and perfectionist tendencies to master the game.
Director: Rowdy Herrington
Main Characters: Jim Caviezel, Claire Forlani, Jeremy Northam
Runtime: 120 minutes
IMDb Rating: 6.7
Rent on Amazon
Who’s Your Caddy (2007)
Who’s Your Caddy? is one of the worst golf movies, and thus, it belongs on the list of the best. The story follows a rap mogul (Big Boi) from Atlanta as he tries to join a conservative country club. Facing opposition from the board president, he brings in his personal entourage to help him circumvent the problem. As long as you can detach yourself from the fact it looks a lot like a Caddyshack rip-off, it’s a fun movie to sit down and laugh about.
Director: Don Michael Paul
Main Characters: Big Boi, Jeffrey Jones, Terry Crews
Runtime: 93 minutes
IMDb Rating: 2.2
Rent on Amazon
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