Movies about golf have given us some of the best quotes about the sport in history. Have you seriously played 18 holes without someone saying, “Be the ball” or “Just tap it in”?

While the world navigates the COVID-19 pandemic and health officials have recommended the safest approach to combating the virus is by staying home, we’ve pulled together our not-so-scientific ranking of the best golf movies of all time.

5. Legend of Bagger Vance

Starring: Will Smith, Matt Damon, Charlize Theron

Released: 2000

Plot, in a sentence:

Bobby Jones and Walter Hagen take on fictional army hero played by Damon, who is instructed by the mysterious Bagger Vance (played by Smith)

Review:

Despite the Hollywood heavyweights (Smith, Damon, and Theron are all Oscar winners), the movie has its flaws. Still, it’s a fun fantasy that puts real-life golfers in Jones and Hagen up against the hometown hero who returns from war a broken man, but is put back together by Smith’s character and his charming ways.

4. The Greatest Game Ever Played

Starring: Shia LeBeouf

Released: 2005

Plot, in a sentence:

The true story of amateur Francis Ouimet winning the 1913 U.S. Open.

Review:

LeBeouf does a nice job of playing Ouimet, who at 20 won the U.S. Open as an amateur – the first non-professional to win the major. The real star of the film is Josh Fitter, who plays the 10-year-old Eddie Lowery, Ouimet’s caddie. There are some historical inaccuracies, but still a solid adaptation of a magical true story.

3. Happy Gilmore

Starring: Adam Sandler

Released: 1996

Plot, in a sentence:

A wild hockey player (Sandler) picks up golf with hilarious and heart-warming consequences.

Review:

This was peak Adam Sandler, as he plays Happy (of all the names!) a hockey player who one day knocks a drive 400 yards. That initial drive, along with some coaching from the affable Chubbs (RIP) results in Gilmore joining the pro tour, defeating his rival, winning the girl, and saving his grandmother’s house. It’s a feel-good golf film that, despite its silliness, is chalk-full of all-time quotes and moments.

2. Tin Cup

 

Starring: Kevin Costner, Rene Russo, Cheech Marin, Don Johnson

Released: 1996

Plot, in a sentence:

A down-on-his-luck driving range owner takes on the biggest names in golf at the U.S Open.

Review:

Most people could probably interchange ‘Happy Gilmore’ and ‘Tin Cup’ at No’s 2 and 3, but for today’s ranking, the impressive thing here is how someone managed to not only make a romantic comedy made about golf, but a pretty good one! Cheech Marin’s Romeo is a scene-stealer, but Don Johnson does a wonderful job as the villain to Kevin Costner’s tragic hero. In a testosterone-filled movie (there may only be one other female character who gets screen time), Rene Russo does a fantastic job holding her own.

1. Caddyshack

Starring:  Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield, Bill Murray, Michael O’Keefe

Released: 1980

Plot, in a sentence:

A whacky group of caddies at an upscale country club cause all kinds of problems while a wild greens-keeper takes on a furry enemy and a quirky new member gets the last laugh.

Review:

What more can you say about Caddyshack? The film was the blueprint that all over golf comedies were built on and it was Chevy Chase and Bill Murray – starring in Saturday Night Live at the time – at their finest. The film, which was the only one Chase and Murray were in together, can be put on during any buddies trip or bus ride and even though scenes have been watched over and over again, they’ll still produce a chuckle. ESPN calls it “perhaps the funniest sports movie ever made” and it’s No. 1 on our list.

Perhaps No.1 is a ‘fore’gone (groan) conclusion, but chime in with your own ranking in the comments below!