Golf has enjoyed a long and happy relationship with the silver screen.
From the slick dance moves of Rodney Dangerfield in Caddyshack to Sean Connery nervously eying up Goldfinger’s deadly caddy Oddjob in the classic James Bond film, the game of golf has featured in countless cinematic scenes down the years.
So turn off your mobiles, get comfy, grab the popcorn and enjoy 10 of the best golf scenes to hit the big screen.
10. Happy Gilmore
The 1996 film Happy Gilmore has warmed the hearts of serious golfers and non-golfers alike.
The slapstick comedy about a rejected hockey player channeling his strength and aggression into golf is filled with memorable one-liners, fight scenes and even romance along the way.
Drunkards with golf clubs practising the ‘Happy Gilmore swing’ is a common sight on YouTube and many a golfer has given it a cheeky try on the driving range.
And Happy’s take on stuffy golf attire should be written on every golfer’s mirror for when they can’t decide if they look good with long socks and a flat cap: “Hey, if I saw myself in clothes like that I would have to kick my own ass.”
9. Enter the Dragon
One of Bruce Lee’s finest martial arts films surprisingly involves a game of golf.
Gambling addict Roper, played by John Saxon, has a rather pleasant round rudely interrupted by mobsters looking to collect on his latest ill-judged wager.
Intense pressure isn’t attempting to hole a putt on the 18th to claim the Open title, it’s having violent mobsters cracking their knuckles as you attempt to save par.
Luckily, the ultra-suave Rope dispatches the thugs with a couple of roundhouse kicks.
Where is the etiquette, gentlemen?
8. Jackass: The Movie
The reality comedy film is packed full of stupid (and quite often dangerous) pranks that often involve unsuspecting members of the public.
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One such scene sees the stars of the show blowing air horns during the backswing of players’ shots. Responses vary from annoyed looks to one player firing tee shots into the bushes where the pranksters are hiding.
Childish behaviour and not at all hilarious”¦”¦(chuckle, chuckle).
7. Johnny English Reborn
Hapless spy Johnny English and a game of golf is never a good idea, or so you would think.
But the British agent, played by Rowan Atkinson, manages to drive his ball down the fairway, fling his club in the air and somehow walk away looking in control of the situation.
The airborne club lands in his caddy’s hands and English’s shocked face soon turns into a wry smile.
6. The Simpsons
Who would have thought that Homer Simpson was good at golf?
Although it features in a TV show, Homer’s trademark trick shot involves chipping balls into the toilets at the nuclear power plant in quick succession…not a game I will be trying anytime soon.
His boss, Mr Burns, who fancies himself to be the best golfer in Springfield, challenges Homer to a game.
During the encounter Homer can’t quite believe he is losing to a man over 100 years old, but he then stumbles across Mr Burns’ caddy, Smithers, replacing his boss’ balls on the green.
But the question is: did Homer get that pay rise?
“If I beat Mr Burns, I mean really wallop him bad, I’m sure to get that big raise I’ve been gunning for!”
5. From the Rough
From the Rough is an inspirational sports drama about the true story of American Catana Starks, the first African-American woman to coach an all-men’s team at college level.
(*spoiler alert*) Starks is tasked with assembling Tennessee State’s first golf team and, against all odds, guides her underdogs, including that nasty blonde kid from the Harry Potter films, to glory.
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An uplifting story and some fine performances.
4. Goldfinger
Only 007 could take on a super villain and his deadly henchman Oddjob over a round at Stoke Park in Buckinghamshire and make it look like a jolly with his mates.
Like Homer, James Bond (Sean Connery) foils the cheating Auric Goldfinger on the 18th green and claims the win.
I am surprised Bond has time for a quick round in between dodging killer hats, seducing women, oh, and saving the world.
The film also includes some of the best head attire in cinematic history. It’s a toss up between Bond’s straw fedora number, Goldfinger’s old school flat cap/beret and Oddjob’s steel-brimmed bowler for the title in this film.
If pressed, I would give a slight edge to the Korean manservant for his stylish and practical bowler.
3. The Greatest Game Ever Played
The film starring Shia LeBeouf is the remarkable true story of Francis Quimet, the first amateur to win the US Open.
Quiment breaks down the class barrier surrounding golf in the early 20th century and defies his disapproving father to beat British champion Harry Vardon and Ted Ray in a dramatic play-off.
If you didn’t know it was a true story you could be forgiven for thinking the plot was too far-fetched for even Hollywood’s taste.
2. Tin Cup
Tin Cup is the classic story of a down-and-out loser trying to recapture his glory days and win the heart of his rival’s girlfriend.
Kevin Costner plays Roy ”˜Tin Cup’ McAvoy in this amusing romantic comedy and enters the US Open in a bid to win over Dr Molly Griswold’s (Rene Russo) from his old rival David Simms (Don Johnson).
The basic premise might be predictable, including the inevitable golfing showdown between McAvoy and Simms for the title, but the ending satisfactorily flies in the face of convention.
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1. Caddyshack
The mother of all golfing films, Caddyshack is an erratic slapstick comedy set in a snobby country club.
It may be unabashedly juvenile and the plot often goes off course and into the rough (see what I did there?), but is adored by many for its unforgettable characters and hilarious one-liners.
Bill Murray chasing round a rogue gopher and the obnoxious Al Czervik, played by Rodney Dangerfield, causing mayhem are the highlights.
Al Czervik: “And tell the cook this is low grade dog good. This steak still has marks from where the jockey was hitting it.”
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