Kiawah Island Golf Resort
We have a bit of a confession to make…we are massive cinephiles here at GolfStayAndPlays. We love immersing ourselves in a good movie, and it got us thinking about some of our favorite golf movies that feature premier golf courses that are available for traveling golfers.
While doing our research, we did see that a good amount of these courses were private facilities, but we found a few that were publicly accessible that may be worth fitting into your next golf getaway travel plans.
The Legend of Bagger Vance – Kiawah Island Golf Resort (Kiawah Island, SC)
Though set in Savannah, much of the film’s sweeping golf was captured on the windswept Atlantic edges of Kiawah Island. Standing on those dramatic seaside holes, you can almost hear the whisper of Bagger Vance urging you to “find your authentic swing” as the ocean breeze tests your nerves. Key golf scenes for the film were shot on The Ocean Course, Turtle Point, and Cougar Point courses.
Tin Cup – Tubac Golf Resort & Spa (Tubac, AZ)
Roy “Tin Cup” McAvoy’s brought his West Texas talent to this Arizona golf resort during several key scenes in the movie including the scene with Phil Mickelson and Craig Stadler where he roasted a shot on a par 5 onto the green to win a bet, his famous 7-iron meltdown hole with Cheech Marin, and the arch where Costner and Don Johnson see who can hit a 7 iron the longest and Johnson outwits Costner to win his Cadillac off him.
Happy Gilmore – Furry Creek Golf & Country Club (British Columbia, Canada)
Though set on the fictional pro tour in the U.S., much of Happy’s long-driving chaos was filmed along British Columbia’s Sea-to-Sky corridor. The backdrop for these scenes was breathtaking, and Furry Creek Golf & Country Club was the setting for his hilarious battle with Pro-Am partner Bob Barker during the movie.
Golf in the Kingdom – Bandon Dunes Golf Resort (Bandon, OR)
This movie featuring Malcom McDowell may be a little more under the radar than most, but the setting for the golf scenes here is none other than Bandon Dunes so it’s definitely worth a mention and yet another reason why a visit to this Oregon golf mecca is always a good idea.