Golf, often seen as a serene and leisurely sport, can also serve as the perfect backdrop for mystery, intrigue, and detective work. This collection of films brings together the calm of the green with the tension of crime-solving, offering viewers a unique blend of suspense and sport. Whether it's a murder mystery or a case of high-stakes cheating, these films showcase how the golf course can be a stage for some of the most captivating detective stories.

Dead Solid Perfect (1988)
Description: This film follows the journey of a struggling golf pro who gets entangled in a high-stakes golf tournament where cheating and murder come into play, making it a perfect fit for our detective golf movie collection.
Fact: The film was based on a novel by Dan Jenkins, who also wrote the screenplay. It was one of the first movies to explore the darker side of professional golf.


The Caddy (1953)
Description: While primarily a comedy, this film includes elements of mystery when the caddy, played by Jerry Lewis, tries to solve a series of odd events happening on the golf course, making it a light-hearted addition to our list.
Fact: The film was directed by Norman Taurog, who was known for his work with child actors, and it features Dean Martin in one of his early roles.


Caddyshack (1980)
Description: Although known for its comedy, "Caddyshack" has a subplot involving a gopher causing chaos, which leads to a detective-like pursuit by the groundskeeper, making it a quirky entry into our collection.
Fact: The film was initially a box office disappointment but has since become a cult classic, largely due to its memorable characters and improvised scenes.


Tin Cup (1996)
Description: This film features a washed-up golf pro who, in his quest for redemption, encounters a series of mysterious events on the course, blending sports drama with elements of a detective story.
Fact: Kevin Costner, who plays the lead, actually learned to play golf for this role, and his character's name, Roy McAvoy, was inspired by real-life golfers.


The Legend of Bagger Vance (2000)
Description: While more of a spiritual journey, the film includes a subplot where the protagonist, with the help of his caddy, unravels the mystery of his own golfing prowess, fitting into our theme of detective-like discovery.
Fact: The film was adapted from a novel by Steven Pressfield, and Will Smith's character, Bagger Vance, was inspired by the Hindu god Krishna.


The Greatest Game Ever Played (2005)
Description: This biographical drama about the 1913 U.S. Open includes elements of mystery and underdog triumph, with the young caddy-turned-golfer solving the puzzle of how to beat the best in the game.
Fact: The film was directed by Bill Paxton, who also played a role in the movie, and it was one of his last directorial efforts.


The Short Game (2013)
Description: Although a documentary, this film follows young golfers in a world championship, where the competitive spirit and the mystery of who will win add a detective-like element to the narrative.
Fact: The film features children from around the world, showcasing the global appeal of golf at a young age.


Happy Gilmore (1996)
Description: This comedy involves a hockey player turned golfer who, through a series of comedic and mysterious events, tries to save his grandmother's house, making it an unconventional addition to our list.
Fact: Adam Sandler, who plays Happy Gilmore, was an avid golfer in real life, which helped in his portrayal of the character.


The Phantom of the Open (2021)
Description: This film tells the true story of Maurice Flitcroft, an amateur golfer who managed to enter the British Open under false pretenses, creating a mystery around his identity and golfing ability.
Fact: The film is based on the book "The Phantom of the Open: Maurice Flitcroft, The World's Worst Golfer" by Scott Murray.


Seven Days in Utopia (2011)
Description: A young golfer, after a disastrous tournament, finds himself in a small town where he learns life lessons and unravels the mystery of his own potential, making it a spiritual detective story.
Fact: The film was inspired by the book "Golf's Sacred Journey: Seven Days at the Links of Utopia" by David L. Cook, who also co-wrote the screenplay.
