So it’s a rainy day in April (much like today, in fact) and you’re itching to get out and play but your favorite course is closed and there’s nowhere to go. What’s a golfer to do? Plop down on the couch and pop in a golf movie, of course. No, I’m not talking about an instructional DVD. I’m talking about a feel good movie or comedy about your favorite game. Here’s a few recommendations:
- Bobby Jones, Stroke of Genius – Every passionate golfer will find something to love about this one. The story follows Bobby Jones on his journey through his historic Grand Slam win in 1930. You’ll also see how Jones struggled through chronic pain during his domination.
- The Legend of Bagger Vance – The story is set in Savannah, GA, during the 1930s while Rannulph Junuh makes his comeback after World War I. The story follows his struggle to regain his swing as he prepares for an exhibition match against Bobby Jones and Walter Hagen with the help of the mysterious Bagger Vance.
- Tin Cup – Washed up golf pro Roy “Tin Cup” McAvoy becomes inspired to reinvent his career but he would rather show off than take the game seriously.
- Happy Gilmore – Faced with his dream of being a hockey pro crushed, Gilmore discovers he can crush a golf ball hundreds of yards. He decides to join the pro golf tour in order to win money to save his beloved grandmother’s home from repossession by the IRS but his hot temper causes his some challenges along the way. And besides, how often can you see Adam Sandler fight Bob Barker on the golf course?
- Caddyshack - you didn’t think I’d forget this one, did you? This comedic pleasure intertwins the stories of a caddy trying to earn enough money to attend college and a class battle between the rich snobs. Hilarity ensues as a groundskeeper engaged in an ongoing battle with a gopher tries to exterminate him as the bets on the course keep rising.
- The Greatest Game Ever Played – heartwarming story that takes the game of golf and uses it as metaphor for class struggles. The movie takes place in 1913 and follows the story of Francis Ouimet as he moves from caddy to competitor for the U.S. Open Championship. Ouimet gets the chance to play against Harry Vardon, his idol.
- Miracle on the 17th Green – adapted from a novel by James Patterson, this movie is the story of Mitch McKinley, who is a happily married ad executive. He suddenly loses his job and decides to pursue his dream of joining the PGA Senior Tour and the movie follows his journey as he competes against the odds to make the cut.
- A Gentleman’s Game – this movie is a coming of age story about a young golfer who sees his father’s country club as a slice of heaven. The movie tells the story about how Timmy Prices learns about the uglier side of society through the game of golf.
- Follow the Sun – this movie falls into the old school category – so old school it’s in black and white. It’s a biography of sorts of the life and career of Ben Hogan as he makes his comeback after a devastating car accident. He learns the game of golf through caddying and eventually makes the pro tour.
- The Caddy – another old school black and white movie, this movie is the origin of the Anthony and Miller comedy duo. Miller, an avid and outstanding player, is too nervous to play on a national stage so he teaches Anthony, his girlfriend’s brother, how to play the game.
So grab yourself some popcorn, sit back, relax and enjoy some golf on the big screen.
