3 Golf Movies That Just Completely Smash It
Golf might be a quiet sport on the surface with it’s lush greens, polite claps, collared shirts.
Golf movies, on the other hand… that’s a different story. The best ones bring drama, comedy and life lessons that show us golf really is more than driving the fairway, chipping onto the green, and sinking those birdie putts. Whether you're a pro, a weekend golfer or someone who is here for the vibes, you can’t go wrong with a Par 3 (our version of a top 3 list).
3. The Legend of Bagger Vance (2000)
Find the soul of golf cinema with The Legend of Bagger Vance. This isn’t your typical sports movie: it’s more like a spiritual journey disguised as a golf match.
The setting is Georgia in the 1930’s. War veteran and former golf prodigy, Rannulph Junuh (played by Matt Damon) has lost his way. Enter in a mysterious caddie, Bagger Vance (Will Smith), with a knack for philosophical advice and reading more than just the course.
The movie is a beautiful blend of sport and introspection. It creates a dreamy, contemplation that lingers in your brain long after the credits roll. It’s not a laugh-out-loud film, which is my typical go-to, but it’s the kind that sticks with you. If you’re into character-driven stories with depth (and vintage aesthetics), this one’s a gem.
Perfect for: Late-night chill sessions, heavy on the Field of Dreams vibes.
2. Caddyshack (1980)
Because we can’t stay too serious for too long, we go to the complete opposite end of the spectrum for our next choice. Caddyshack the legendary cult-classic that turned golf into pure chaos. Featuring the comedic touches of Bill Murray, Chevy Chase and Rodney Dangerfield, this movie is a series of absurd moments stitched together with the backdrop being a golf course.
Complete with a gopher terrorizing the green, a deranged groundskeeper trying to stop it, the right amount of slap-stick, and non-stop one-liners that never get old.
It’s wild, quotable and completely unhinged in all the best ways.
Caddyshack is truly golf movie greatness. It’s less about the sport, more about the culture around it, and a perfect window into ‘80s comedy.
Perfect for: Fans of chaotic energy, and anyone who loves the quintessential 80’s comedy.
1. Happy Gilmore 2 (2025)
It finally happened! After years of us wishing and making memes, throwback clips, and fan campaigns, Adam Sandler finally returned to the tee box in Happy Gilmore 2.
And believe it or not, I like it more than the first.
A devastated Happy comes out of retirement to give his family a better life. But when a new generation of “golfers” try to take over the tour with trick shots, viral stunts, and absolutely zero respect for the old school, it’s up to Happy to tap it in… er, tap into it. It’s part sequel and part commentary on how the game, society, and the internet has changed since 1996.
The film balances cameos with fresh faces and some surprisingly heartfelt moments with the most deserving characters. It’s totally ridiculous, of course, but it knows exactly what it is. And it does exactly what it needed to do.
Whether you grew up with Happy’s Happy Place or you’re new to the Sandler universe, this sequel delivers.
Perfect for: Longtime fans of the Sandman, anyone who loves a comeback, and people who think golf may need to unbutton a little.
Golf movies are weirdly underrated. They give us drama, humor and occasionally, deep life lessons; all wrapped in a game that rewards patience and punishes ego. Whether you're looking to laugh, reflect, or just turn your brain off, these movies prove that golf on screen can be just as entertaining as the back nine.