The 2018 Ryder Cup kicked off today, so to celebrate the start of one of the year's biggest sporting events we've decided to take a look back at golf and its impact in movies throughout the years. With all of that in mind, we've put together a list of both the best and worst golf films to hit the big screen.
The Best
4. Happy Gilmore
This is one of the first films that springs to mind when you think of golfing flicks, and it's for good reason! Adam Sandler may not be everybody's cup of tea, but he's someone who has managed to cement a legacy in cinema for his comedic timing and quick wit. Here he plays the titular character: a former hockey player who discovers he's got a lot of golfing skill. When he joins a pro golf tour in a bid to save his grandmother's house, brilliance begins. Make sure to check this one out if you've not seen it before!
3. The Greatest Game Ever Played
This biographical sports film is based on the early life of golf champion Francis Ouimet, played in the movie by Shia LaBeouf. An all-star cast also including Stephen Dillane and Peter Firth comes together for what is a tense and inspiring affair; certainly better than the other biopic on our list, but we'll get to that a little later!
2. Tin Cup
Directed by Ron Shelton, and starring Kevin Costner and Rene Russo in the leading roles is Tin Cup: a film which follows the story of former golf prodigy Roy "Tin Cup" McAvoy. Going back into the world of the sport, this movie follows his journey from a former star, to someone who could recapture his sensational reputation. Give it a go! You'll finish the film with a huge smile on your face.
1. Caddyshack
Is Caddyshack cheesy? Yes. Is it also bloody brilliant? Yes! Harold Ramis sat in the director's chair for the very first time for this 1980 release, which has gained somewhat of a cult following in the decades following its initial debut. Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield, Ted Knight, Michael O'Keefe, and the one and only Bill Murray all star in this one, which really has to be seen to believed.
The Worst
3. The Tiger Woods Story
When a biopic is rejected for approval by the camp of the subject, you can bet that it's either for good reason, or because it includes some ridiculous and unsubstianted claims. Directed by LeVar Burton and starring Khalil Kain as a 21-year-old version of Woods, the movie is honestly one of the most confusing and difficult to follow flicks around. Not something you'll want to watch even once, let alone over and over again.
2. The Squeeze
Though there's an interesting premise behind this film, the whole thing turned out to be a bit of a shambles. Terry Jastrow served as both writer and director on the flick, which starred the likes of Jeremy Sumpter, Katherine LaNasa, Christopher McDonald and Jason Dohring, but none of them could do anything to ensure this was a must-see.
1. Caddyshack II
Yes, those behind Caddyshack got a little greedy and decided to try and milk the hugely successful cow of the original for all its worth. Unfortunately for them, Caddyshack II turned into a major stain on the franchise and left a sour taste in the mouth of everybody who had enjoyed the first film so much.