Golf isn’t the most action-packed sport, but it has proven to be an underrated subject in many famous sports films. From classics such as Happy Gilmore to newer releases like The Phantom of the Open, the subtlety of golf pairs nicely with films that explore various characters. Some comical characters, including those in Caddyshack, have a humorous and contrasting approach to the often quiet sport.

Others, like the subjects of The Phantom of the Open and Tommy’s Honour, are based on real prominent names in the world of golf. Movies about golf fall under a few different genres, with comedy being the most popular. The idea that golf is an exclusive sport makes for a hilarious outcome when rowdy characters burst onto the course. Though some golf movies have gained a cult following over the years, others have remained in conversation, but fail to bring anything memorable to the sub-genre of sports films.

10 The Legend Of Bagger Vance (2000)

A former golfer reconnects with his passion for the game.

Despite its star-studded cast, The Legend of Bagger Vance didn’t perform well at the box office and hasn’t stuck with general audiences the way other golf films have. Instead, Robert Redford’s film has become known for its controversial narrative and underwhelming script. Based on a 1995 novel by Steven Pressfield, The Legend of Bagger Vance follows the story of the titular traveler (Will Smith) as he helps Rannulph Junuh (Matt Damon) reignite his passion for the game of golf.

The Legend of Bagger Vance has been criticized, most notably by Spike Lee, for contributing to a storytelling trope in which Black supporting characters are depicted as magical or insightful, using their skills to help white protagonists. Still, The Legend of Bagger Vance is a staple film for many fans of golf. The period piece’s inspiring tale, told from the perspective of Jack Lemmon’s character, is a relatable story about the love of the game.

9 Tommy’s Honour (2016)

The life story of legendary Scottish golfers.

The father and son duo, Old Tom Morris and Young Tom Morris, are the heart of the 2016 biopic, Tommy’s Honour. In real life, the Scottish golfers are seen as pioneers in the sport, having won numerous Open Championships and, at times, competing as a team during challenge matches. Tommy’s Honour depicts the Morris’ athletic accomplishments as well as their complicated relationship as father and son.

Tommy’s Honour shares the emotional story of the innovative golfers, but there isn’t enough diversity in the golfing sequences to hold the attention of the average audience member. As an informative insight into the sport’s history, those with a distinct interest in the subject are the target audience. Still, Peter Mullan and Jack Lowden earned critical praise for their performances and the latter was nominated for a BAFTA Scotland Award for Best Film Actor.

8 Pat And Mike (1952)

A skilled golfer is trained by a corrupt sports manager.

In 1949, real-life couple Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy were co-stars in George Cukor’s romantic comedy, Adam’s Rib. The three reunited a few years later for Pat and Mike, in which Hepburn and Tracy play the titular pair. Pat and Mike follows the two as they work to propel Pat into a successful sports career whilst trying to avoid her controlling and distracting husband.

As many of Cukor’s films do, Pat and Mike is comedic and entertaining. Though the film is more focused on the dynamic between Pat and Mike, there is still a great number of sports scenes. Throughout her career, Hepburn was known to play characters on screen that closely matched her personality in real life. When she wasn’t acting, Hepburn was an active person, allowing her to perform the golf and tennis scenes in the film herself. Pat and Mike also features cameos from famous golfers at the time, such as Helen Dettweiler and Babe Didrikson Zaharias.

7 The Short Game (2013)

Young golfers prepare to compete in the U.S. Kids Golf World Championship.

Differing from other ranked golf films, The Short Game is a documentary. The Short Game, directed by Josh Greenbaum, provides a peek into the lives of eight young golfers as they prepare to compete in the 2012 U.S. Kids Golf World Championship. In preparation for the competition, audiences enter the homes of golfers all around the world and gain insight into their early passion for the sport.

Critics compared the format of The Short Game to the 2002 documentary about the Scripps National Spelling Bee, Spellbound, but criticized the golf documentary for presenting only a positive look at the young competitor’s lives. Rather than dig into the pressures that come with being a skilled athlete at a young age, The Short Game provides a lighthearted image of the subject. Additionally, famed golfers such as Jack Nicklaus and Annika Sörenstam provide commentary throughout.

6 The Caddy (1953)

The hilarious antics of Martin and Lewis take over the golf course.

Starring the legendary comedic duo of Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, The Caddy is one of the first comedic films about golf. Joe (Martin) and Harvey (Lewis) are The Caddy‘s leading characters and, together, they build upon Joe’s skills as a golfer. What ensues during their journey is humorous bickering and a redirection into the entertainment industry.

Like Pat and Mike, the heart of The Caddy is the zany antics of Martin and Lewis. Still, The Caddy isn’t always regarded as either actor’s best film, nor as their best as a duo. However, The Caddy is the first film to feature Martin’s famous song, “That’s Amore,” which was nominated for Best Original Song at the Oscars. Additionally, just as many other golf films do, The Caddy has cameos from professional golfers, including Ben Hogan and Byron Nelson.

5 The Greatest Game Ever Played (2005)

The story of famed golfer Francis Ouimet.

A film about Hall of Fame golfer, Francis Ouimet, The Greatest Game Ever Played has been described as a sports biopic that easily appeals to golf enthusiasts and casual moviegoers alike. Set in the early 1900s, The Greatest Game Ever Played details both the obstacles and triumphs in Ouimet’s career as he competes in the 1913 U.S. Open. Ouimet began his career as an amateur golfer and insisted on never becoming a professional.

The Greatest Game Ever Played is rich with history about Ouimet’s career and the era’s prestige outlook on the sport. However, the film doesn’t differ from other inspirational sports biopics, following a familiar formula. Instead, part of where The Greatest Game Ever Played shines is in its golfing sequences. It can be difficult to frame golf in an engaging way on-screen, but Bill Paxton’s film has eye-catching camera techniques that add a layer of intrigue and stakes to the game.

4 The Phantom Of The Open (2021)

The odd, true story of a determined amateur golfer.

The 1976 Open Championship is partially remembered for the entrance of Maurice Flitcroft, an amateur golfer who claimed he was a professional and ended up earning the worst score in the tournament’s history. Flitcroft, played by Mark Rylance, is the subject of the 2021 film, The Phantom of the Open. Flitcroft gained widespread attention for his initial entrance onto the golf course and he was forbidden from entering any championships again.

However, that didn’t stop him. Flitcroft continued to seek entrance into competitions by wearing various disguises and going by false names. The Phantom of the Open is an endearing film about taking risks as dreamers, but while Rylance is fully committed to the boldness of the golfer, Flitcroft is portrayed as a caricature at times. Regardless, The Phantom of the Open is a feel-good film with plenty of heartfelt and comedic moments.

3 Happy Gilmore (1996)

An unlikely athlete shakes up the world of golf.

While Happy Gilmore may not be Adam Sandler’s best movie, it’s widely popular among golfers and ranks highly against other golf films. The comedy film, directed by a frequent collaborator of Sandler’s, Dennis Dugan, displays an uptight etiquette in golf to contrast with the rough demeanor of Sandler’s titular character. A fan-favorite example of Happy’s short temper is when he’s fed up with TV personality Bob Barker’s comments and the two get into a physical altercation — one of the funniest scenes in Sandler’s career.

Aside from the comedic characterization expected from Sandler, Happy Gilmore is also remembered for the rivalry between Happy and Shooter McGavin (Christopher McDonald) and the famous Happy Gilmore swing. Alongside Barker, there are a few other figures in sports that make cameos. Mark Lye and Lee Trevino, just to name a few, are two professional golfers who appear as themselves.

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Happy Gilmore is loaded with celebrity cameos and professional golfer appearances that add a layer of legitimacy to the classic golf comedy.

2 Tin Cup (1996)

A golf rivalry begins out of love.

Other golf films fall under the drama or comedy genre, but Tin Cup has elements of romance mixed with the sport. After his previous collaboration with director Ron Shelton on Bull Durham, Kevin Costner swaps a baseball bat for a golf club. In Tin Cup, Costner plays a former golfer who finds himself in a competition with a former college classmate (Don Johnson).

The result of Costner and Johnson’s characters’ rivalry is the winning title at the U.S. Open. The competitive framework of Tin Cup also complements the central love story in the film with Rene Russo’s Molly Griswold. Costner has starred in numerous sports films throughout his career. However, Tin Cup remains the most influential with tournaments and real-life golfers earning the nickname “Tin Cup” for their similarities to the movie. Within Tin Cup, professional golfers including Craig Stadler and Billy Mayfair make cameos as themselves.

1 Caddyshack (1980)

A young caddie finds himself in the middle of a wild feud.

Packed with actors who’d go on to have successful careers in comedy, Caddyshack is celebrated as one of the funniest sports films. As many sports comedies do, Caddyshack makes light of the high-class culture and etiquette surrounding golf. Caddyshack follows a teenage caddie (Michael O’Keefe) who has hopes of obtaining a college scholarship and finds himself intertwined in a golf match fueled by a rivalry.

Caddyshack doesn’t have realistic or visually inspiring golfing sequences, but that’s not what the film promised to be. Despite negative critical reviews when it was released, the comedy film has gained a cult following for its memorable characters and use of Kenny Loggins’ song “I’m Alright.” Caddyshack‘s funniest quotes are also a testament to the film’s greatest strength. Throughout the film, the skilled actors often improvised their lines, giving Caddyshack its laugh-out-loud quality.