The Best Golf Movies – 13 To Watch Tonight
It’s early in the week and there’s no PGA Tour event until Thursday night! What can you watch to get your golfing fix?
Or are you looking for gift ideas for the golfer in your life?
Here’s a rundown of some of the best golf movies broken down by genre.

Comedy
Caddyshack
Directed by Harold Ramis
Bill Murray’s performance as greenkeeper Carl Spackler steals the show. A true “Cinderella” story of caddie Danny Noonan and his attempt to win the caddie day tournament at Bush Wood Country Club.
Happy Gilmore
Directed by Dennis Dugan
Adam Sandler stars as the titular “Happy”. An ice hockey player who can never quite make the grade due in part to his temper but also because he can’t skate all that well! He falls into the game of golf by accident and ends up on the pro tour. Almost but not entirely unlike the PGA Tour!
Possibly the greatest crocodile wrestling scene in history!
Drama/Romance
Tin Cup
Directed by Ron Shelton
The story of driving range professional Roy “tin cup” McAvoy. He attempts to win the affection of an old rival’s girlfriend while attempting to qualify for the US Open.
The Legend Of Bagger Vance
Directed by Robert Redford
With Matt Damon, Charlize Theron and Will Smith. Matt Damon plays a World War I veteran who with the help of Will Smith re-discovers his golf game and life while trying to save the golf resort run by Charlize Theron.
As far as I know, this is the only golf movie with Will Smith in it.
Golf In The Kingdom
Directed by Susan Streitfield
Based on the bestselling novel by Michael Murphy it charts the journey of a golfer planning to play his last round before giving up the game for good!
True Story
Follow The Sun
Directed by Sidney Lanfield
The story of Ben Hogan and his golfing life. His struggles to overcome his injuries following a life-threatening crash and his return to golf.
Tommy’s Honour
Directed by Jason Connery
Young Tom Morris was following in his father’s footsteps as a golfer of some renown. He even managed to win the open championship three years in a row!
The Greatest Game Ever Played
Directed by Bill Paxton
A young local golfer called Francis Ouimet takes on and beats some of the heavyweights of golf including Harry Vardon to grab the 1913 US Open at Brookline Country Club.
The Back Nine
Directed by Ron Vignone
A documentary about one man’s journey to try to turn professional after turning 40.
Seve The Movie
Directed by John-Paul Davidson
A combination of archive footage and recreation shows the incredible rise of Severiano Ballesteros to the pinnacle of the golfing world.
From The Rough
Directed by Pierre Bagley
The story of Catana Starks who became the first woman to ever coach a men’s golf team at the collegiate level.
Bobby Jones: Stroke Of Genius
Directed by Rowdy Herrington
Overcomes his temper to become one of the greatest golfers in history including winning the impregnable quadrilateral of US Open Championship, Open Championship, US Amateur Championship and Amateur Championship in a single year!
The Phantom Of The Open
Directed by Craig Roberts
At the time of writing, this is still in theatres but I have been looking forward to this for some time as it’s based on a very enjoyable book that tells the story of Maurice Flitcroft who chased his dream of becoming a golfer.
Full Swing
Ok so it’s not a movie but it did make for interesting viewing. Particularly the episode with Joel Dahmen. If you haven’t seen it yet then hurry up because Netflix are already filming season 2 with a whole new group of players.
The Best Golf Movies To Watch Tonight: Conclusion
So whether it’s some light entertainment or a true golfing story you should be covered until the next live tournament is available for you to watch.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQ]
Which golf movie starred Will Smith?
Will Smith starred in The Legend of Bagger Vance with Matt Damon and Charlize Theron.
Did Katherine Hepburn really play golf?
Yes, Katherine Hepburn was an avid golfer and played all her life.