By Stanley Saw
Photo by David James/Newsmakers
There is no denying that the Covid-19 Movement Control Order (MCO) has driven many to the brink of insanity.
For the avid golfer, this restriction of playing privileges would be the primary contributing factor to developing claustrophobia, as the golf course is the only place where we are truly in our element. But there’s hope yet in self incarceration because, just like summer, golf is a state of mind. And there is no better way to transcend the current state of affairs than by dousing yourself with a good dose of golf movies; movies that will inspire you to rush to the fairways once the chains of MCO are finally broken.
As a self-confessed movie nut who once did a marathon of all golf movies in one go, I would not recommend that you go hardcore like I did and overdose for what is left of the MCO. But here are – in my opinion – the top five golf movies you would have to watch as a golfer, movies help you appreciate the history and traditions of the game.
TIN CUP
Director – Ron Shelton
Starring – Kevin Costner, Rene Russo, Cheech Marin, Don Johnson
Year – 1996
Roy McAvoy (played by Kevin Costner) is one of the most talented under-achievers who ends up as a washed-up driving range pro. Motivated by his urge to impress an attractive sports psychologist (played by Rene Russo), he mounts a charge to win the US Open and in the process, learns to conquer his inner demons and eventually understands that golf is a game of letting go.
All the ingredients of humour, romance, adventure and glory are thrown into the mix and brings the audience through a good range of highs and lows. Spoiler alert! Look out for the scene where he qualifies for the US Open armed with only a seven iron.
THE LEGEND OF BAGGER VANCE
Director – Robert Redford
Starring – Will Smith, Matt Damon, Charlize Theron
Year – 2000
Set in Savannah, Georgia during the great depression circa 1930, this fictional flick has a star-studded cast directed by actor-turned-director Robert Redford. It recounts the memory of Hardy Greaves (played by the late Jack Lemmon) as a boy, and his recollection of the ultimate exhibition match ever played – intended to revive a failing golf resort – between, at that time, two of the biggest names in golf, Bobby Jones and Walter Hagen against the local town hero, a has been, alcoholic war veteran Rannulph Junuh (played by Matt Damon).
This movie shifts between the real world and the mystical realms of golf, revolving around the central character Bagger Vance (played by Will Smith). What really grips you is the psychology of golf imparted by Vance who, at critical moments, gives the most profound advice to Junuh to help rescue him from certain doom. This movie allows us a peak into how golf played a pivotal role in lifting the human spirit and giving hope to an otherwise hopeless situation – something we can all relate to currently.
THE GREATEST GAME EVER PLAYED
Director – Bill Paxton
Starring – Shia LaBeouf, Stephen Dillane, Peter Firth, Elias Koteas
Year – 2005
Directed by the late Bill Paxton, star of the TV series ‘Big Love’, this is a true story which documents the life of Francis Ouimet, the first amateur – before the great Bobby Jones – to win the US Open. LaBeouf plays Ouimet, a French immigrant from a working class family who overcame all odds to excel in the game that was at the time reserved for the wealthy and privileged.
The movie dramatises the bigotry that dominated the era and how Ouimet displayed true grit and passion to show the world that only through tremendous courage and sacrifice does one not only become a champion, but also win respect even from the ones closest to you.
HAPPY GILMORE
Director – Dennis Dugan
Starring – Adam Sandler, Julie Bowen, Carl Weathers
Year – 1996
No golf movie selection is going to be complete without humour, a look at the lighter side of the game. I remember laughing so loud while watching this back then at the cinema that I made heads turn – but I couldn’t contain myself! Adam Sandler plays a struggling ice hockey player who accidentally discovers that his slapshot-style swing was his golden ticket to fame and money on the fairways.
Desperate to help his granny regain her repossessed home, Gilmore enlists the help of a PGA executive (played by Julie Bowen) and a former pro (played by Carl Weathers) to help him get to the top. In the process, his running 400-yard drives, emotional outbursts and unconventional antics draw an “uncomfortable” demographic of followers – much to the benefit of the tour but frowned upon by the pompous traditionalists.
CADDYSHACK
Director – Harold Ramis
Starring – Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield, Ted Knight Micheal O’Keefe, Bill Murray
Year – 1980
‘Caddyshack’ is undoubtedly the most famous movie in golf … and it even has a sequel. The cast of legendary actors earned this comedy cult status and one cannot truly profess to be a true golf nut if they’ve not seen it.
This classic has countless memorable lines and a hilarious plot coupled with the wonky outfits we thought were cool then. One word of advice … go into this movie not expecting anything but yet enjoying everything!
There you go fellow golfers in waiting, the entrance to a make-believe world that should inspire you and keep you gagging for the greens. However hard it is now, believe me, this too shall pass.
May we all come out safe on the other side inspired and more determined to face the brave new world!
