Golf Movies: A History

As we enter the most exciting portion of The Masters tournament this weekend and hear debate from all corners of the sports world on whether Tiger should withdraw or not, let’s take a quick look at the history of golf in the film world.

I say quick look because, well, it’s a brief history. The two titles we probably think of most represent well-regarded comedies for two generations. Obviously, there’s 1980’s Caddyshack, one of the most quotable movies of all time.

For the next generation, it’s 1996’s Happy Gilmore with Adam Sandler and that classic golf course rumble with Bob Barker.

1996 also saw a generally well-liked golf movie with Kevin Costner, Rene Russo, and Don Johnson – Tin Cup. It’s a decent enough pic, though not particularly memorable.

And there’s another comedy – 2007’s Who’s Your Caddy? with Outkast rapper Big Boi. If this is your favorite golf comedy, I can’t help you.

Surprisingly, there’s yet to be a truly effective and successful drama about golf. Two examples that have tried have been met with mixed critical and audience reaction.

There’s Robert Redford’s The Legend of Bagger Vance starring Matt Damon and Will Smith. It was considered an Oscar contender prior to its release, but faltered when it opened with a weak $30 million gross. It managed only a weak 42% on Rotten Tomatoes.

And there was 2004’s Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius starring Jesus himeslf, Jim Caviezel. This one came and went with no fanfare, grossing a terrible $2.7 million.

There’s certainly been plenty of quality dramatic pictures about football, baseball, basketball, hockey, and boxing. Think Any Given Sunday. Rudy. Field of Dreams. The Natural. Hoosiers. Miracle. Rocky. Raging Bull. The Fighter. Teen Wolf… OK, I went too far. But there’s yet to be that quintessential golf drama. Are you listening, Hollywood? The sport certainly has comedy covered though… Caddyshack is generally regarded as the funniest comedy about any sport.

Finally, if you started reading this post and are wondering why Jarhead and Three Kings haven’t been mentioned, those are “gulf” movies… I’m sorry.