Golfer or not, many people love the sport, and this list is for them. The game is full of great stories and moments, which is why we have had so many great films about the game. Sometimes, however, it is the documentary that tells the story best.
These eight enthralling documentaries about golf are something you can watch in 2024 which will give account to the highs and lows and what goes on behind the scenes of this exciting game. These documentaries blend personal stories, and historical moments, and take on the sport's culture and challenges.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based solely on the author's opinion.
1. Tiger (2021)
Tiger Woods is a name that echoes around the sports industry a lot. Woods has often been called the greatest golfer ever. Sometimes, he has won championships; other times, he has won green jackets and become a bonafide celebrity. By any measure, he has experienced some of the highest highs, but also some of the lowest lows.
Tiger, a two-part documentary series digs deep into the life of golfing icon Tiger Woods, from his prolific rise to personal scandals and remarkable comeback. Tiger is available to stream on HBO Max.
2. The Short Game (2013)
This documentary, streaming on Netflix in most places around the globe, tracks a group of 7-year-old golfers preparing for the World Junior Golf Championships. This is a touching and humorous look at a few of these young prodigies and the pressures they face on the road to glory.
They found the golf world through a famous movie that inspired them and taught them that a golf course is not a place only for competition but a place where kids learn and remember forever life lessons.
3. Seve: The Movie (2014)
This documentary, available to watch on Amazon Prime and Peacock Premium, pays a nod of tribute to the Spanish golf icon Seve Ballesteros. This is a blending of documental narration and dramatic reenactment to present his incredible journey from a rural fishing village to global stardom and capture his grit and flair.
Although he met with obstacles at nearly every step on his journey, Seve Ballesteros rose above them to become one of the most charming and talented golfers the sport has ever seen.
4. Full Swing (2023)
Full Swing is a Netflix documentary series that gives a behind-the-scenes view of the lives of professional golfers. It's a journey where highs and lows on the PGA Tour follow the top golfers with every aspect of their personal as well as professional lives - chasing tournaments and winning major competitions.
The series allows viewers to experience the high-pressure atmosphere, rivalry, and drama that comes with being at the very top of the sport, and this is followed by the triumphs and struggles of some of the game's biggest names.
5. Loopers: The Caddie’s Long Walk (2019)
Loopers is a documentary that is particularly not just about golfers. It is streaming on Hulu or available on Amazon Prime in The United States and different parts of the world.
This documentary brings you into the world of golf caddies, people responsible for carrying a golfer's clubs and providing other assistance during a match. It delves into the unique relationship between golfers and their caddies. It is narrated by actor Bill Murray and is a behind-the-scenes look at the sport.
6. The Founders (2016)
The Founders revolves around a group of iconic women in golf, leading from the front. They chose to showcase their ability to compete in golf just as efficiently as the other gender. It was during these times that this revolutionary group of women went on to create history.
The movie serves as a reminder of the significant progress that has been made, while also celebrating the pioneering individuals who paved the way for such advancements. The Founders is available to buy on Apple TV+.
7. Shark (2022)
This documentary is an ESPN Films production, Shark, available to stream on ESPN’s official website. It tells the story of one of the greatest golfers in history, Greg Norman, known popularly by the nickname "The Shark".
He was given this nickname because of his gutsy style and bold approach to the game. The movie focuses on the critical juncture in 1996 at the Masters, where Norman found himself with a six-shot lead going into the final round before losing to Nick Faldo.
The film also covers Norman's two Open Championship victories, his record 331 weeks as the world's number-one golfer, and how he has impacted the game. In Shark, Norman returns to Augusta National to reminisce about the infamous Masters collapse, in an attempt to turn back the pages and give the audience a little better understanding of the iconic athlete.
8. Uneven Fairways (2009)
The documentary Uneven Fairways is directed by Dan Levinson, and first aired on the Golf Channel on February 11, 2009. It is inspired by two books: Uneven Fairways by Pete McDaniel and Forbidden Fairways by Dr. Calvin Sinnette.
Narrated by Samuel L. Jackson, Uneven Fairways is an inspiring story of African American golfers who fought for their rights and freedom ultimately leading to a brighter future for the sport.
The documentary features interviews with trailblazing golfers to show how much the game has changed in one hundred years. Uneven Fairways can be streamed free on YouTube.
