Golf films are a film genre unto their own, and many films of varying quality have been made about the sport. From biopics of actual players to comedies that poke fun at the sport, golf has always been a popular subject for filmmakers. This year sees the sequel to one of the most famous and unusual golf films, Happy Gilmore (see below), with Adam Sandler back in the leading role. Out of the many golf films that have been made, here are 5 that are worth a watch and may inspire you to play more.

Caddyshack (1980)

Caddyshack is arguably the most famous golf film ever made. It is a comedy classic by Harold Ramis and is considered one of Bill Murray’s iconic roles. The film is a humorous and over-the-top look at what it takes to run a golf course, casting its satirical eyes over everyone from the management to the caddies, the maintenance men, and the players. A key part of the film that is relatable to many golfers is the power dynamics and belittling between the players and the disastrous shots that they play. The film has become endlessly quotable with “Stop thinking…let things happen…and be the ball” considered sage advice for all golfers.

Happy Gilmore (1996)

This American sports comedy follows the journey of a failed hockey player who discovers a talent for golf through his eccentric playing style. The film has become a cult favorite amongst golfers who can emphasize with Happy Gilmore’s desire to drive the ball as far as possible and his frustration with the sport. By poking fun at some of golf’s stuffier elements, the film also made golf more accessible and was credited with an increase in interest among the public after it was released.

The Greatest Game Ever Played (2005)

Directed by the late great Bill Paxton, The Greatest Game Ever Played chronicles the true story of Francis Ouimet, who became the first amateur to win the U.S. Open. The film covers the class prejudice that was common in golf’s early years when it was considered an upper-class sport. Shia LaBeouf stars as blue-collar worker Francis Ouimet, who defies his father to practice golf and beat British golfing champion Harry Vardon (played by Stephen Dillane of Game of Thrones fame) to win the U.S. Open. The Greatest Game Ever Played is a great retelling of one of golf’s greatest underdog stories.  

Tommy’s Honour (2016)

A biopic on the early days of golf by Jason Connery (son of Sean Connery) that centers around Scottish golfing champions Old Tom Morris and his son Young Tom Morris. In golf history, the two Morris hold a prominent place as being both the oldest (46 years and 102 days) and the youngest (17 years and 156 days) British Open winners. The film follows Young Tom Morris’s rise as a golfer as he challenges his social standing and his father’s legacy to become one of the sport’s best-ever players. It is a fascinating and emotional look at two of golf’s pioneers and the sport’s impact on their personal and professional lives.

The Phantom of the Open (2021)

While most underdog golf films are about a talented individual proving everyone wrong, The Phantom of the Open is about an underdog who is absolutely terrible at golf, proving all his naysayers to be 100% correct. The film covers the bizarre true story of Maurice Flitcroft, played by Mark Rylance, an amateur golfer with very limited experience who claimed he was a professional to enter the 1976 British Open. He is famous for earning the worst score in the tournament’s history, and as a result, the competition changed the rules to make sure someone as unqualified as himself couldn’t enter again. It is a feel-good film and a heartwarming tribute to the dreamers of the world, and many golfers just starting out will sympathize with Flitcroft’s ability on the green.

Honorable Mention – Goldfinger (1964)

While not a golf film, Goldfinger arguably features cinema’s most famous golf scene. Shot at Stoke Park Golf Club in Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire, England, the match between Sean Connery’s James Bond and Gert Fröbe’s Auric Goldfinger remains iconic. From the ‘strict rules of golf’ conclusion to both players cheating to get an edge, Goldfinger presents aspects of golf not usually seen on screen. An interesting side note: preparing for this scene got Sean Connery hooked on golf. He would become one of golf’s most famous celebrity players and devotees.