Top 50 Best Golf Movies Of All Time

There is no denying that Tiger Woods is perhaps the most renowned golfer in the world. Given his extraordinary career, it's only natural that his remarkable life would be explored in a major documentary or feature film.

Directed by Matthew Hamachek and Matthew Heineman, this compelling two-part HBO documentary chronicles Woods' meteoric rise, dramatic fall, and remarkable resurgence in the world of golf.

The film delves into Woods' relentless dedication and passion for the sport, illustrating how his drive led him to incredible heights of fame and achievement, while also exposing the personal challenges and struggles he faced along the way.

Woods' journey includes not only championships and accolades, but also public scrutiny, legal battles, and personal hardships such as divorce.

The filmmakers deserve credit for delivering a well-crafted documentary that educates newcomers and longtime fans alike about both Woods' personal journey and his professional milestones.

For any true golf enthusiast, Tiger is an essential and must-watch film.

Directed by the renowned George Cukor, "Pat and Mike" is a delightful romantic comedy starring Hollywood legends Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn.

This film follows the story of a cunning sports promoter who believes a dedicated physical education teacher has the talent to become a top-notch golf player.

Together, they embark on an ambitious and entertaining adventure, their chemistry captivating audiences throughout their escapades.

True to Hollywood tradition, romance blossoms between the pair. Although golf isn’t the sole focus, this highly enjoyable film earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay.

Directed by Craig Roberts, "The Phantom of the Open" tells the remarkable true story of Maurice Flitcroft, an enthusiastic amateur who dares to compete in the British Open Golf Championship later in life, against all odds.

Flitcroft's unlikely quest shakes up the conservative world of golf, drawing both skepticism and amusement from the golfing community.

Adapted from the biography "The Phantom of the Open: Maurice Flitcroft, The World's Worst Golfer" by Farnaby and Scott Murray, the film had its world premiere at the 65th BFI London Film Festival in 2021.

The movie was met with positive reviews, particularly for Mark Rylance's outstanding performance and the film's memorable musical score.

Historically, golf—like many professional sports—was not welcoming to women. Until the 1950s, female athletes were largely excluded from participating in the sport, which may come as a surprise to many readers.

This changed dramatically when a determined group of women founded the Ladies Professional Golf Association. Their vision and courage shattered the sport’s social barriers, allowing women to pursue their passions and showcase their talents on the golf course.

Despite societal expectations that women shouldn’t be athletes, these trailblazers went on to become pioneering figures, earning recognition, and pay, for their skill and determination.

Though they were not expected to lead, these remarkable women defied the odds and secured their rightful place in sports history, leaving a legacy celebrated for its significance and inspiration.

Golf enthusiasts will be captivated by this acclaimed documentary, which introduces viewers to remarkably talented young athletes whose skills are certain to inspire awe and admiration in anyone who has ever dreamed of excelling at the sport.

The film follows a group of 7-year-old golfers as they travel to Pinehurst, North Carolina, to compete in the highly competitive World Championships of Junior Golf.

Winner of the Audience Award at the 2013 SXSW Film Festival, the documentary provides an engaging look into the daily lives and rigorous training routines of these determined young players.

Many critics have praised The Short Game as a lively and enthralling insight into what some consider the world’s most understated sport.

"The Caddy" (1953) is a lively blend of music, comedy, and sports that stands as one of early Hollywood's notable films featuring golf at its core. Fronted by legendary comedy pair Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, the film cleverly contrasts the pressures of the golf world with the glamour of show business.

The narrative centers on Harvey Miller, the son of a famed golf professional, whose father dreams of seeing him continue the family legacy on the greens.

Harvey, however, struggles with stage fright and crowds, steering him away from competing and into the role of a caddie and coach for his friend, Joe Anthony. Through this journey, Harvey gradually transforms into a poised and successful golf instructor.

While "The Caddy" may not be the definitive Martin and Lewis masterpiece, it remains highly entertaining and is worth watching to see the dynamic comedic energy of the iconic duo in action.

Kevin Costner reunites with director Ron Shelton to bring to life the story of a talented yet underachieving Texas golfer who unexpectedly qualifies for the prestigious U.S. Open tournament. This underdog tale unfolds in the heart of small-town America, blending ambition with heart.

Beyond chasing championship glory, the protagonist aspires to win both the trophy and the affection of his rival’s captivating girlfriend. "Tin Cup" stands out as a unique mix of sports drama and romantic comedy, buoyed by witty and engaging dialogue.

Costner’s endearing performance earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. His role added charm and authenticity, contributing to the film’s status as a memorable and moderately successful box office entry.

Directed by Jason Baffa, Loopers: The Caddie's Long Walk is an insightful documentary crafted for passionate golf enthusiasts.

This film explores the unique dynamic between golfers and their caddies, spotlighting the vital expertise and often-overlooked contributions of these indispensable companions on the course.

The documentary honors these unsung heroes—men and one woman—whose impact on the sport is seldom recognized alongside legends like Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus.

For true fans of golf, this account offers a compelling and heartfelt celebration of the caddie’s enduring legacy in the game.

Considered one of the funniest sports films ever made, "Caddyshack" is a classic comedy directed by Harold Ramis. The film follows a young caddie determined to earn a scholarship by working at the exclusive Bushwood Country Club, hoping it will help him get into college.

His journey isn't simple—he must first win the favor of the stern Judge Smails and ultimately prove himself by winning a high-stakes golf tournament.

Featuring an all-star cast including Chevy Chase, Bill Murray, Ted Knight, Rodney Dangerfield, and Michael O’Keefe, Caddyshack brings the quirky world of Bushwood Country Club to life with its offbeat humor.

A masterclass in lowbrow comedy, the film showcases dry wit and memorable performances, especially from Chevy Chase—at a time when his humor was widely appreciated—and Bill Murray, who shines as the eccentric groundskeeper Carl Spackler.

Though it wasn't an instant box office sensation upon release, "Caddyshack" has since achieved cult status and is now regarded as one of the best sports comedies ever made. Be sure to watch for Murray’s scene-stealing moments that have become iconic in cinematic history.

"The Greatest Game Ever Played" is a compelling biographical sports drama that chronicles the inspiring journey of amateur golf champion Francis Ouimet. The film traces his humble beginnings as a working-class immigrant and his growing passion for golf, despite the sport’s elitist reputation during the early 20th century.

Ouimet soon discovers the deeply rooted class barriers that define the world of golf. Director Bill Paxton skillfully highlights how certain sports, including golf, were long dominated by the upper class, reinforcing social divisions of that era.

The film powerfully depicts the breaking of these social boundaries when Francis Ouimet makes history as the first amateur to win the U.S. Open in the 1910s. His victory resonates as a significant moment of change within the sport.

With its outstanding performances, exceptional visuals, and remarkable cinematography, this film is sure to leave a lasting impression. If you haven’t yet experienced Shia LaBeouf’s talent, "The Greatest Game Ever Played" is an excellent place to start.

Directed by Jason Connery, "Tommy's Honour" is a cinematic adaptation of Kevin Cook's acclaimed book, "Tommy's Honor: The Story of Old Tom Morris and Young Tom Morris, Golf's Founding Father and Son." The film skillfully brings the spirit of its nonfiction source to life through engaging storytelling and authentic period detail.

The narrative centers on young Tommy Morris, whose extraordinary talent soon eclipses his father's legacy—Old Tom Morris, one of golf's legendary figures. Their relationship is tested as ambitions and generational differences arise between them.

The dynamic between father and son shifts dramatically when Tommy marries an older woman from a lower social class, challenging their values and the pressures of tradition. The film explores their evolving bond with emotional depth and nuance.

Like the book, "Tommy's Honour" offers a fascinating look into the lives and careers of two of Scotland's most significant golfers in the 1860s, capturing their struggles, triumphs, and enduring impact on the sport.

Directed by Dennis Dugan and starring the ever-entertaining Adam Sandler, "Happy Gilmore" delivers a hilarious twist on the world of competitive golf.

The story follows Happy, a passionate and unconventional hockey player who turns to golf in a desperate effort to save his grandmother’s home from foreclosure. His journey is filled with outrageous antics and unexpected triumphs.

The film relies heavily on Sandler’s energetic, over-the-top comedic style. Though its humor might not appeal to everyone, "Happy Gilmore" stands out for its irreverence and undeniable heart.

"The Legend of Bagger Vance," adapted from Steven Pressfield's novel, has yet to achieve widespread popularity among mainstream audiences.

Nonetheless, golf enthusiasts may discover deep value in the film's heartfelt performances and impressive production quality.

Directed by Robert Redford, the movie features Will Smith, Matt Damon, and Charlize Theron in leading roles. It follows Captain Rannulph Junuh, who unexpectedly meets a mysterious caddie whose guidance helps him master golf—and discover a greater purpose in life.

The film received mixed reviews upon release and did not perform well financially. Some critics praised the stellar cast and emotional storytelling, while others felt the script fell short of expectations.

Directed by John-Paul Davidson, this film recounts the remarkable life and career of Seve Ballesteros, the charismatic Spanish golfer who reigned over the sport from the 1970s through the 1990s.

Seve stood out not only for his incredible skill but also for transforming golf into an exhilarating spectacle, captivating audiences—even those who weren’t traditional golf fans.

While the film incorporates touches of dramatization, it still showcases some of the most iconic shots and pivotal achievements from Seve’s illustrious career.

True to expectations, the movie delivers a heartfelt tribute to Ballesteros, weaving a gripping narrative of his passion and determination that resonates with viewers.

We witness how golf found a place in young Seve’s heart, and follow his journey as he nurtures that passion, ultimately becoming one of Spain’s greatest sporting legends.

"From the Rough" is a compelling sports drama that centers on the inspiring journey of an underdog striving for greatness. The film shines a light on resilience and determination within the world of golf.

The story follows Catana Starks, who makes history as the first woman to coach a men's collegiate golf team. Although her team is filled with highly skilled yet unruly players, she takes on the challenge with unwavering resolve.

Starks not only leads her misfit team to a record-breaking championship season, but she also imparts invaluable lessons about both golf and life along the way. Her influence shapes their character and outlook.

Featuring a talented ensemble cast, the film underscores the message that golf is a game for anyone with the passion and the drive to play—regardless of background or personality. It celebrates perseverance and inclusivity within the sport.

The early to mid-2000s experienced a notable revival of golf-centered films, with "Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius" standing out, led by Jim Caviezel in the title role.

This biographical drama, directed by Rowdy Herrington, chronicles the inspiring journey of legendary golfer Bobby Jones. It primarily appeals to dedicated golf enthusiasts, though casual fans may also find it engaging.

The movie captures not only the meteoric rise and unexpected retirement of Jones but also immerses viewers in the prestigious and historic grounds of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews—one of the world's oldest golf clubs—making it a special treat for those passionate about the sport.

Directed by Michael A. Nickles, "Swing Away" follows the transformative journey of an American professional golfer suspended from the LPGA tour.

She retreats to her grandparents' village in Greece, where a confrontation with a relentless developer sparks profound changes in both her own life and the lives of the villagers.

While the film may not offer many new twists, it stands out as an enjoyable and family-friendly drama.

The stunning Greek landscapes featured in the movie might even inspire you to plan your own golfing getaway to the Mediterranean.

Directed by Matt Russell, "Seven Days in Utopia" features standout performances from Robert Duvall, Lucas Black, and Melissa Leo. This heartfelt Christian sports drama follows a young golfer who, after a disastrous pro circuit outing, finds himself unexpectedly stranded in Utopia, Texas.

There, he's taken in by an eccentric rancher whose unique outlook and guidance profoundly impact his life. Inspired by Dr. David Lamar Cook's book, "Golf's Sacred Journey: Seven Days at the Links of Utopia," the film maintains a steady pace, bolstered by Duvall's exceptional acting and a talented supporting cast.

It's no overstatement to say that Duvall's magnetic screen presence is the driving force keeping this movie's narrative engaging and its momentum alive.

Directed by J. Mills Goodloe, A Gentleman's Game tells the story of a young golf prodigy who discovers life's deeper lessons while working as a caddie at an elite country club.

Adapted from Tom Coyne's novel of the same name, the film uses golf as a backdrop to explore a timeless message: life is about more than just winning, no matter your passion or profession.

The movie highlights the importance of making space for personal interests to flourish alongside ambition. Often overlooked, this thoughtful drama is certainly worth seeking out.

The Boys of Sunset Ridge follows the lives of four friends who have made it a tradition to reunite at the Sunset Ridge Golf Club, a bond they have shared since childhood.

Now, twenty years later, they are established members of the club, and the film explores how their enduring friendship weathers life's many ups and downs while remaining strong and unwavering.

This well-cast feature delicately captures themes of friendship and loyalty, portraying them authentically without becoming sentimental or forced.

The film's approachable storyline and solid performances make it both easy to follow and relatable, allowing viewers to connect with the characters and their journey.

Helmed by Edward Sedgwick and toplined by actors Joan Crawford, William Haines, and George K. Arthur, this motion picture is based on the 1925 play of the same name by Vincent Lawrence.

It follows the journey of a clerk who pretends to be a professional golf player solely to impress a wealthy socialite and win both her favor and heart at the same time.

Spring Fever, which was only the second title starring Haines and Crawford, and their maiden on-screen romantic pairing, was a successful production; even though not a lot of critics were too gracious to it.

While the star in Joan Crawford manages to make her presence felt, the movie actually proved to do a lot more for William Haines.

This is because there were reports that soon after its release, he was mobbed by fans at a personal appearance at a professional golf tournament.

Based on the real-life events of Keith Flatt, this Terry Jastrow directorial venture traces the journey of Augie; a young golfer who won a local tournament by 15 strokes and, therefore, tied and broke the public course record.

Soon after, he is enticed by a gambler to play the sport for bet money. Even though everything seems to be going according to plan, he soon realizes that he has put his and his family's life on the line.

The Squeeze, which centers on a golf prodigy named Augie Baccus, is not exactly the best golf-oriented feature to stumble upon.

While the story and its execution come across as unconvincing, the film can still be seen once for being based on real-world events.

Inspired by a true story, Chasing the Green tells the story of two brothers in their 20s who become millionaires during the early 1990s. However, they risk losing their wealth to an over-zealous bureaucrat.

This Russ Emanuel directorial venture traces the quest of the two brothers to become wealthy. It adds subplots on their relationships with other people, which may or may not work, depending on the viewer.

That said, the decent performances and sincere direction make for an entertaining viewing experience.

Based on Michael Murphy's novel of the same name, Golf in the Kingdom is set in the 1950s. The story follows an American philosophy student Michael, who happens to be traveling to India.

Before he allows his unpredictable future to take control, he decides to stop at Links of Burningbush in Scotland for one last round of golf before giving up the sport for good.

While this Susan Streitfeld-helmed feature falls short of doing complete justice to its source material, it does a fair job of showcasing how we attempt to navigate life by measuring every single step and gaining perspective after every setback.

In this Jesse James Miller directorial venture, which constantly nods to Wes Anderson's approach to filming, we see Redwood Forrest Hanson believing that beating Jack Nicklaus at the 1975 Masters golf tournament might just help in reuniting his hippie father and estranged mother.

Besides using his imagination, the strong-headed 11-year-old also gets much-needed tips from his step-grandfather in his ambitious mission. Even though this Canadian flick ceases to extract tears or feelings of empathy from the viewers, it can be seen for the sincere performance of the young Ryan Grantham.

So, get ready to get a vision of joy and compassion through the innocent eyes of Redwood Forrest Hanson.

Written by Ryan Tower and helmed by him and Brandon Worswick, Fairway to Heaven is a lesser-known feature that shows the respective lifestyles of its characters getting determined by their golf scores.

Even though not a lot of you might be able to chance upon this title easily, we are almost certain that you might end up liking the sound quality and special effects if you do.

While some of the camera shots look cool, the project mainly banks on its humor to make an impact.

Oh, and there is a Michael Jackson gag to watch out for that might leave you in splits.

Most of you would write off this movie at face value. Sure, it is a low-budget entertainer starring a bunch of unknowns shown playing a sport as serious as golf. But, trust us when we argue that this little gem might end up surprising you for good.

The story follows an indebted middle-aged former pro baseball player Anthony "Babe" Lombardo, who needs to find a way to get the IRS off his case.

When he somehow manages to come up with a unique golf swing, it paves the way for him to cash in on it, mostly in bad ways.

Written and directed by Michael Hovis, The Man with the Perfect Swing moves at a steady pace with the right amount of humility and humor infused into its storytelling.

The sharp writing and decent performances only help its cause.

A sequel to Leslie Nielsen's first golf video Bad Golf Made Easier, Bad Golf My Way also serves as an out-and-out parody of golf and other golf videos and books.

What separates this particular project from the other two credits in the Bad Golf trilogy is that Leslie Nielsen and his caddie decide to drive a jerky golf player crazy by distracting and toying with him.

Just like what its plot conveys, this project is aimed at people who wish to distract themselves from the usual complexities of their day-to-day lives. Enough said.

Love in the Rough introduces us to a shipping clerk named Jack Kelly, who is recruited by his short-tempered and nervous employer to help with his golf game.

Arrangements are made for Kelly to visit his club and participate in the tournament. However, while there, the man ends up falling for Marilyn, thus, making golf secondary to his love for the lady.

Not many are aware of the fact that this Charles Reisner directorial venture is a musical comedy remake of the 1927 silent film Spring Fever.

Thriving on its catchy numbers, Love in the Rough does a fine job of demonstrating how entertainment was transitioning from the Jazz Age into the era of the Great Depression.

Helmed for the small screen by Roger Young, Two of a Kind has been headlined by the iconic George Burns.

The plot follows a grandfather and grandson who, while trying to get familiar with each other, develop a one-of-a-kind bond with laughter, love, and a little golf to boot.

The selling point of this television movie is the beautiful relationship that the grandfather and grandson share. Furthermore, the true-to-life performances of the two leads add a bit of charm to the film's already unique appeal.

We would suggest our readers to watch this poignant story about the unquestionable power of love between a boy and his grandfather.

Directed by Leo McCarey, this American pre-Code comedy feature film outlines the journey of a man and woman, who decide to part ways after having fallen in love on a golf course.

However, both sport and life have other ideas for the couple. Even though this motion picture includes golf as a crucial subplot, the emphasis is mostly on drama.

In fact, you'd be a bit surprised to learn that even comedic bits are rare. While it is obvious going by the user reviews that Part Time Wife may not have aged gracefully, its cinematography still does manage to make an impression.

Photographed entirely in Technicolor, directors Laurence Schwab and Lloyd Corrigan's Follow Thru was based on the hit Broadway musical of the same name.

The film tells the story of a woman golfer, who, after having lost a crucial match to someone from another club, begins to take lessons from a pro.

However, things get interesting when she finds herself falling for him. The motion picture, which has been duly preserved by the UCLA Film and Television Archive, was only the second all-color all-talking feature to be produced by Paramount Pictures.

This inspiring biopic on the courageous champion golfer Ben Hogan features Glenn Ford as Hogan and Anne Baxter as his wife.

Ardent fans of golf get an opportunity to familiarize themselves with Hogan, who is regarded as one of the greatest golf players of all time.

It is almost indisputable that the man must have had more than a few interesting stories to tell his supporters.

Needless to mention, this Sidney Lanfield directorial venture attempts to trace his early work as a caddie, his professional career, and the horrific and much-talked-about car accident.

This Grant Heslov directorial venture tells the story of a pessimistic man who returns to his family's homestead in Texas and aims to start a golf course with his brothers and sisters.

A decent story about a small community coming together to beat the system, Par 6 relies on the several adventures that it shows in its screenplay.

While the humor and performances are fair enough, the film is also backed by its soundtrack. It is the kind of project you'd like to recommend to people who are looking for something quirky and unknown to watch.

Director Randy Kent's Life, Death and Mini-Golf showcases how the friends, family members, and bandmates of rock star Kent Ramsey come together to deal with several issues after he ends up killing himself.

While in the process of coping with the loss, the group also decides to play a few good rounds of golf in Ramsey's honor.

Even though not a lot many golf enthusiasts would be heard recommending this feature, it can at least be seen once for its distinct plot structure.

The focus of the story in this guilty pleasure watch is a professional golfer Jerry, who is seduced by an attractive woman.

Soon after, she offers to kill his arch-rival, but only if he is willing to slaughter her psychiatrist, who wants her committed at any cost.

More inclined towards having tropes of a trademark film noir than that of golf, Once You Kiss a Stranger... shows Carol Lynley playing a real psycho character with no sense of morality whatsoever.

While the sport is certainly there to set the tone for what is to follow, not a lot of it is shown, which somehow ends up working for thr movie.

Banning, which has been helmed by Ron Winston, follows a playboy golf pro who is down on his luck.

We see his past following him to a Los Angeles country club where he starts to work as an assistant pro.

This Technicolor drama flick looks attractive as its vivid colors are put on full display. Also, actor Robert Wagner's expressionless approach to acting seems to have been utilized to good effect by the makers in this one.

Credit has to be given to director Ron Winston for keeping the screenplay focused and not allowing it to overshadow the nuances of the sport.

This Lasse Åberg directorial venture tracks the adventurous journey of Stig-Helmer, who vows to play golf after a bet made by Ole's wannabe girlfriend.

The catch here is that the man has never played the game before. However, his Norwegian friend Ole promises to help him learn the tricks of the sport in a short span of time.

This often funny and smart motion picture will be enjoyed mostly by those who have a basic knowledge of golf and its terminology.

While it is not an outstanding film, it certainly manages to provide the viewers with a feel-good experience. Also known as The Accidental Golfer and The Involuntary Golfer in English, it won Lasse Åberg the award for Best Actor in a leading role at the 27th Guldbagge Awards.

It is said that the movie was inspired by the golf stories of popular author P.G. Wodehouse.

Helmed for the screen by Mike Norris, this sports drama motion picture tells the story of a professional golf player, Danny O'Connor, who finds out that his young daughter, who also serves as his caddie, is battling a deadly disease.

Even though he is often accompanied by his daughter on the golf course, Danny has no option but to find the much-needed inspiration to compete alone, and, ultimately, fulfill his daughter's final wish.

Birdie & Bogey is a fair one-time watch; especially for families involved with the sport.

Adapted from This Life I've Led - My Autobiography, this Buzz Kulik-helmed motion picture tells the true story of Babe Didrickson, who won two gold medals in track and field at the 1932 Olympics.

After she makes up her mind to become a world champion golfer, her battle to be accepted as a professional in the world of sports overwhelmingly dominated by men takes center stage.

In addition, we get to see the tenacious lady's fight against cancer. Babe is certainly a project that should be seen to relive the life and career of Babe Didrikson; someone who will always be a role model for female athletes.

Director Thomas R. Rondinella's Blades is a horror comedy that tries its best to keep golf as one of its major plot points.

We see how a peaceful country club becomes the hunting ground for a demonically possessed lawnmower who seems to have a taste for human flesh.

After he attacks and dismembers a few members of the prestigious country club, two strong-willed golfers and a groundskeeper take the onus on themselves to eliminate the mower for good.

Often described by its director as a parody of Jaws, Blades is a B movie that tells a tale of terror on the golf course.

Directed by Robert Thornby, West of Broadway tells us the story of Bruce Elwood and Freddie Hayden.

When Bruce hears that golf-champion Freddie Hayden is around to participate in a golf tournament, he sends word that he'd like to be given golf lessons at his Cowboy Golf Club.

However, much to his dismay, Freddie turns out to be a lady.

We see the ranch cowboys starting to neglect their work only so that they can get an opportunity to take lessons from Freddie.

The area's leading cattle rustler and a true-blue baddie, Bad Willie, is also among the people who are smitten by Freddie.

Even though this 1926 feature doesn't entirely revolve around golf, it does use it as a significant backdrop to the story.

Handicapped does its best to document the third annual Albert J. Doermaet, Jr. Average Man Invitational; a golf event created primarily for bad golfers by the CEO of a multi-millionaire portable toilet company.

He tries to organize the event with the sole aim of trying to fulfill his lifelong dream of competing in a high-stakes golf tournament.

Those who have had a childhood dream to participate in any sporting tournament on a professional level will perhaps be able to relate to this documentary.