Four must see golf movies...

There are very few great movies about golf. As the game becomes more and more popular though, you should see an increase in movies made about golf... For now, here are my absolute favorite, must see, golf movies...

1. Happy Gilmore - Adam Sandler, Carl Weathers, Christopher McDonald:

Adam Sandler plays a "never made it" hockey player; his life is hockey, and although he cannot skate very well, he has a bullet slapshot. Turns out that with a driver in his hand, his unorthodox hockey style tee shot yields monster drives. After winning a local tournament, Happy wins the chance to play on the PGA tour.

This movie is hilarious from start to finish. Look for Carl Weathers (Apollo Creed in Rocky), Bob Barker (The Price is Right), and special appearances by Lee Trevino, and hilarious antics from Joe Flaherty (SCTV).

2. The legend of Bagger Vance - Will Smith, Charlize Theron, and Matt Damon:

Although this movie incorporates two golf legends in Walter Hagen, and Bobby Jones, the events of this movie are indeed fictional. The movie explores the comeback of both a war veteran golfer, and the redemption of a near bankrupt heiress to a golf course fortune, ruined by the great depression.

Add mystery caddy Bagger Vance, and you have a story of redemption, and the perseverance of the human spirit... Oh yeah, and they play a lot of golf!

3. Tin Cup - Kevin Costner, Rene Russo, Don Johnson:

Seems to be a theme; down and out golfer makes a big comeback! Kevin Costner plays washed up golfer Roy McAvoy, with a wicked booze problem. Roy is constantly antagonized by his nemesis David Simms (Don Johnson), and finally decides to try and qualify for the US open; as much to shut David up, as impress and steal his Dr. girlfriend.

The phrase "Tin Cup" has become synonymous with blowing up on a hole since this movie was released. Which is apparently based on actual fact as everyone's favorite commentator, Gary McCord, actually did the very same thing when he played on the Tour. Watch for Cheech Marin as McAvoy's caddy and best friend, and special appearances by Gary McCord, and PGA notables Craig Stadler and Peter Jacobsen.

4. CaddyShack - Bill Murray, Rodney Dangerfield, Chevy Chase, Ted Knight:

This is one of the funniest golf movies ever, arguably, one of the best comedies ever. The story revolves around a young caddy, and various personalities surrounding an exclusive golf club. Add into the mix a gopher who terrorizes the course, and you have a side splitting golf farce.

Although the plot is thin, and there is no real point to the movie, you have to watch it just to see Bill Murray the insane greens keeper. From talking to himself, dreaming of his turn playing the Masters at Augusta, to his hybrid of Kentucky bluegrass and marijuana, Bill steals the show. The late great Rodney Dangerfield is hilarious as the obnoxious nouveau riche course member.

Just because you can't be playing, doesn't mean you can't still dream and enjoy the game all year long!