I'm a Cinema Obsessive And These Are My 5 Favourite Golf Films

If there’s one thing that I love almost as much as playing golf, it’s watching films. Indeed, cinema was my main obsession long before I first picked up a club, and I still find time to squeeze in a trip to my local theatre at least once a week.

Connecting with nature and finding your inner peace on the golf course is a dream, but there’s a real magic to escaping everything and immersing yourself in the movies. However, there is a very small but brilliant cross-section of these two pastimes that provides the best of both worlds.

The movie market is not exactly flooded with golf films, but there are a few absolute gems out there that’ll give you the buzz of a perfect round without even having to leave your sofa.

5. The Legend of Bagger Vance (2000)

At the start of this film, the narrator asks, “Why do I play a game that seems destined to kill me?” It’s a thought most golfers have pondered themselves at some point, and yet we all go back to this beautifully frustrating game again and again. The Legend of Bagger Vance perfectly captures that complex relationship, and it does so with an unabashedly sentimental tone.

If you’re looking for a gritty, realistic portrayal of golf, this is not it. Will Smith plays the titular character, acting as a spiritual guide as caddie to Matt Damon’s Rannulph Junuh, the hometown hero tasked with saving his local golf course in an exhibition tournament. It’s super cheesy, but that’s not always a bad thing.

4. The Short Game (2013)

As long as you don’t mind watching a bunch of kids playing really good golf and putting us all to shame, you’ll get a lot out of this captivating documentary. The Short Game follows eight young golfers navigating the tough yet very rewarding world of junior golf competitions. With high–pressure situations and pushy parents, there’s an intense yet amusing feel to this.

Ultimately, it’s a heartwarming experience watching the children chase their dreams, but it’s also incredibly fascinating, too. We’re so accustomed to watching the professionals that we can easily forget where it all starts. The Short Game reminds us of that crucial stage of the golfing journey.

3. Phantom of the Open (2021)

I said golf movies don’t come around often, but we got an absolute belter as recently as 2021. Phantom of the Open stars Mark Rylance as Maurice Flitcroft, the real-life amateur golfer who tried, tried and tried again to qualify for The Open, capturing the hearts of a nation in the process.

The film has such an endearing spirit to it, with gentle comedy, likeable characters, and an uplifting story. It’s such a sweet story, in fact, that my partner – who is sick of hearing about golf – was fully invested when we watched this together.

2. Happy Gilmore (1996)

You might say including Happy Gilmore on this list is too predictable, but there’s a reason it’s so obvious, and that’s because it’s simply a very, very good golf movie. I’m not even the biggest Adam Sandler fan, but even I can admit that this is an absolute blast. It’s also super accessible, so you don’t need extensive golf knowledge to be on board.

With plenty of crude humour, slapstick comedy and iconic one-liners stuffed into a nice 90-minute package, this is the perfect light watch. Thirty years later, it’s not lost any of its charm, and that’s testament to the timeless and very universal appeal Sandler and co. bring to this classic golf flick.

1. Tin Cup (1996)

There is only one golf movie better than Happy Gilmore – and no, I’m not talking about Happy Gilmore 2. Tin Cup takes the top prize, with a playful romantic subplot complementing one of the most rousing underdog stories you’re likely to find on a golf course.

The ever-charismatic Kevin Costner takes the lead role as Roy McAvoy, and it’s his character’s bold approach to the game that will leave golf fans grinning from ear to ear as they watch this one.

Seeing an amateur take on the US Open is great entertainment in itself, but throw in a wonderful rivalry between McAvoy and the snobby David Simms, plus the delightful chemistry he shares with his love interest, Molly, and you’ve got an utterly charming golf film that even the most casual player will be enamored with.