Discover the Iconic Golf Course in Caddyshack Movie


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If you’re a fan of classic comedies, then you’re probably familiar with the cult classic, Caddyshack. The movie is a laugh-a-minute, but it’s the iconic golf course that really steals the show.

For decades, people have been wondering what was the golf course in Caddyshack? Now, we’re here to finally answer that question and take you on a journey through the history of the course, as well as explore its significance to the film.

Whether you’re a golf enthusiast or a movie lover, you won’t want to miss out on this deep dive into the most famous golf course in movie history. So, grab your clubs and let’s tee off!

From the iconic scenes that were filmed on the greens to the stories behind the making of the movie, there’s so much to discover about the Caddyshack golf course. Keep reading to learn more about the fascinating history behind this legendary location.

History of the Caddyshack Movie

Released in 1980, Caddyshack is a sports comedy film that has stood the test of time. The movie was directed by Harold Ramis and starred famous actors such as Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield, and Bill Murray. Despite its mixed critical reviews upon release, Caddyshack has become a cult classic, loved by fans for its quotable lines and hilarious scenes.

The idea for Caddyshack came from co-writer Brian Doyle-Murray’s experiences working as a caddy at Indian Hill Club in Winnetka, Illinois. The movie was inspired by the eccentric characters that he encountered while working there. The script was written by Doyle-Murray, along with his brother, actor and comedian, Bill Murray, and writer-director Harold Ramis.

The production of Caddyshack was not without its challenges. The cast and crew were notorious for their wild behavior on set, often causing delays and disruptions. In addition, the movie went over budget and schedule, with many of the scenes being improvised on the spot. However, despite these difficulties, the movie was a commercial success and has become a beloved classic in the comedy genre.

The Making of Caddyshack Movie

The making of the movie Caddyshack was a wild ride filled with unexpected twists and turns. The original script, written by Douglas Kenney, was heavily rewritten by Harold Ramis and Brian Doyle-Murray during filming. This caused tension between the writers and director John Landis, who was ultimately fired and replaced by Harold Ramis to finish the film.

The cast of Caddyshack was also full of drama. Chevy Chase and Bill Murray had a longstanding feud, and Chase’s character was originally written to have a much larger role. However, Murray’s ad-libbing on set resulted in many of his scenes being kept in the final cut.

Despite these challenges, Caddyshack became a cult classic and launched the careers of several of its stars. Its mix of raunchy humor, memorable characters, and a killer soundtrack make it one of the most beloved comedies of all time.

Caddyshack Movie Reception and Legacy

The movie was a commercial success and received mixed reviews upon its release in 1980. However, it has become a cult classic over the years and is regarded as one of the greatest comedies of all time. Bill Murray‘s iconic portrayal of Carl Spackler and the memorable scenes featuring the gopher have become pop culture references.

The movie also had an impact on the golf industry, inspiring a new generation of golfers and creating a demand for more relaxed and casual golf courses. Caddyshack has left a lasting legacy and continues to be beloved by fans of all ages.

  1. Caddyshack was nominated for several awards, including a Writers Guild of America Award for Best Comedy Screenplay.
  2. The movie has inspired numerous parodies and references in popular culture, including a line of golf apparel and a themed restaurant in Florida.
  3. The film’s success helped launch the careers of many of its stars, including Chevy Chase, Bill Murray, and Rodney Dangerfield.
  4. The movie’s soundtrack, which features classic songs from the 60s and 70s, is considered one of the best movie soundtracks of all time.
  5. The impact of the film has been studied by academics and film historians, who have explored its cultural significance and influence on American comedy.

Caddyshack has become a cultural phenomenon that continues to resonate with audiences today. Its unique blend of humor and heart, combined with memorable characters and iconic scenes, has made it a timeless classic that will continue to be celebrated for generations to come.

Where Was Caddyshack Filmed?

The iconic Caddyshack movie was filmed in various locations in Florida, USA. The golf scenes were filmed at the Rolling Hills Golf Club in Davie, Florida, while the pool scene was filmed at the nearby Plantation Aquatic Complex.

The Bushwood Country Club, where most of the movie’s action takes place, was actually a set constructed in the parking lot of the Rolling Hills Golf Club. The set included the clubhouse, pro shop, and the putting green.

The famous gopher scenes were filmed at the Boca Raton Resort and Club in Boca Raton, Florida. The resort’s golf course served as the background for some of the outdoor shots in the movie.

The location scouts for the movie also considered several other golf courses before choosing Rolling Hills as the primary location, including the Inverrary Country Club in Lauderhill, Florida, and the Hillcrest Country Club in Hollywood, Florida.

Real-Life Golf Course Location

The real-life golf course location for the filming of Caddyshack is the Rolling Hills Golf Club in Davie, Florida. The club’s owner, Don Ates, made a deal with the film’s producers and allowed them to shoot the movie at the course.

The Rolling Hills Golf Club has been in operation since 1962 and was designed by legendary golf course architect Robert von Hagge. The course was originally called Orange Blossom, but it was later changed to Rolling Hills. The course has been a popular destination for golfers for many years.

Although the course has gone through many changes over the years, much of it remains the same as it was during the filming of Caddyshack. The golf club is still open for business and is a popular destination for fans of the movie who want to play a round of golf on the same course that their favorite actors played on.

In addition to Rolling Hills, a few other locations were used for the filming of the movie, including the Woodmont Country Club in Tamarac, Florida, and the Boca Raton Hotel and Club in Boca Raton, Florida.

Top Scenes from the Caddyshack Movie

While “Caddyshack” is a classic film through and through, there are some scenes that stand out as particularly memorable.

The Baby Ruth Scene: Perhaps the most iconic scene in the movie is the Baby Ruth scene. It features a candy bar mistaken for a piece of poop and a crowded pool.

The Cinderella Story Speech: Bill Murray’s character, Carl Spackler, delivers a hilarious monologue about a make-believe match between him and the real golfer, the legendary “Cinderella Boy.”

The Gopher Dance: The film’s antagonist, a pesky gopher, gets his own musical number in which he dances to Kenny Loggins’ “I’m Alright.”

The Pool Scene: This scene features a classic one-liner from Rodney Dangerfield’s character, Al Czervik, as he jumps into a crowded pool and exclaims, “Hey everybody, we’re all gonna get laid!”

Bill Murray’s Famous “Cinderella Story” Scene

The “Cinderella Story” scene is one of the most memorable moments in the movie. Bill Murray’s character, Carl Spackler, plays an imaginary round of golf while working as a groundskeeper. He takes a practice swing, announcing that he’s about to win the Masters, and then describes the final hole of the tournament in great detail.

During the scene, Murray ad-libs most of his lines, including the famous “Cinderella story” line, which was inspired by a real-life event that happened to golfer Bobby Jones. The scene was shot in one take, and the crew and cast were reportedly laughing so hard that they had to do multiple takes to get the shot right.

The “Cinderella Story” scene has become a classic moment in movie history and is often cited as one of the funniest movie scenes of all time. It’s a testament to Murray’s comedic talent and improvisational skills.

What Happened to the Golf Course in Caddyshack?

Transformation: After filming, the golf course went through a series of transformations, including a change of ownership and a redesign by Jack Nicklaus.

Hurricane damage: The course was hit hard by Hurricane Frances in 2004, causing significant damage to the course and clubhouse.

Purchase by Trump: In 2012, the course was purchased by the Trump Organization and underwent a $250 million renovation, including a new clubhouse and changes to the course.

Rebranding: The course was rebranded as the Trump National Golf Club Jupiter, and has since hosted several high-profile events, including the 2017 Women’s U.S. Open.

Controversies: The Trump Organization’s ownership and management of the course have been controversial, with some critics calling for boycotts and protests over the company’s political ties and policies.

The Future of the Golf Course after Caddyshack

After the release of Caddyshack, the golf course saw an increase in visitors and golfers who wanted to play on the same course as their favorite characters. However, the owners struggled to maintain the course due to financial issues, and the condition of the course deteriorated over time.

In 1998, the golf course was purchased by Grande Oaks Golf Club, which invested in renovations and upgrades to improve the course. They also built a new clubhouse and renamed the course to Grande Oaks Golf Club.

Today, Grande Oaks Golf Club is a popular destination for golfers and fans of the movie alike. The course has been used as a filming location for several other movies and TV shows, including The Wedding Singer and The Sopranos.

The owners of the golf course have embraced its history and connection to Caddyshack, offering visitors the chance to play on the same course as their favorite characters and hosting events and tournaments inspired by the movie.

The legacy of Caddyshack continues to live on at Grande Oaks Golf Club, which has become a beloved destination for golfers and movie fans alike.

The Impact of Caddyshack on the Golf Course

The movie Caddyshack has had a significant impact on the golf course industry. It helped to increase the popularity of golf and made it more accessible to the general public. The movie also highlighted the fun and social aspects of the sport, which encouraged more people to take up the game.

Golf Course Design: The film’s influence can also be seen in the design of golf courses. The popularity of the movie led to the creation of themed golf courses, with some courses replicating scenes from the movie. The unique designs and playful elements have attracted new players and increased interest in the sport.

Marketing: Caddyshack has also had a significant impact on golf course marketing. The film’s popularity has been used to promote courses and golf-related products. Many courses now offer Caddyshack-themed merchandise, and some even host Caddyshack-themed events.

Pop Culture: Caddyshack has become a pop culture icon, with references to the movie appearing in popular TV shows, movies, and music. The film has also inspired a new generation of comedians, actors, and filmmakers.

Golf Industry: Overall, the impact of Caddyshack on the golf industry has been overwhelmingly positive. The movie has helped to increase interest in golf and make the sport more accessible to people from all walks of life. It has also contributed to the development of the golf course industry, leading to new designs, marketing strategies, and opportunities for players and fans alike.

Why Was the Golf Course in Caddyshack so Famous?

Golf Course Location: One of the main reasons the golf course in Caddyshack became so famous is because of its real-life location at the Rolling Hills Golf Club in Davie, Florida.

Comedic Performances: The film’s comedic performances by Chevy Chase, Bill Murray, and Rodney Dangerfield were also a significant factor in making the movie a classic and contributing to the golf course’s fame.

Unconventional Approach: Caddyshack was not your typical golf movie. The film took an unconventional approach to the sport and made fun of the traditional and elitist attitudes often associated with golf, making it relatable to a wider audience.

Cult Following: Caddyshack has developed a cult following over the years, with many fans re-watching the movie annually and even dressing up as characters from the film when playing golf at the Rolling Hills Golf Club.

The Golf Course as a Character

The golf course in Caddyshack is not just a setting, but also a character that plays a significant role in the film. The course’s dilapidated condition and eccentric groundskeeper, Carl Spackler, create an environment of chaos and unpredictability, providing the perfect backdrop for the comedic hijinks of the film’s characters.

The course’s unkempt appearance is a stark contrast to the elite country clubs of the era, emphasizing the class differences between the film’s characters and the traditional golfing establishment. The course’s reputation also adds to its character, as it is known as a place where the rules of society and golf are bent and broken.

The course’s influence on the characters is also noteworthy. It challenges them physically and mentally, leading to moments of triumph and defeat. The golf course becomes a character that the players must navigate and overcome, adding to the film’s tension and humor.

Celebrity Golfers who Played at the Course

Over the years, the golf course from Caddyshack has attracted many celebrity golfers, eager to play at the famous location. Some of the most notable include former President Bill Clinton, musician Alice Cooper, and actor Mark Wahlberg.

Bill Murray, who played the iconic character Carl Spackler in the film, is also an avid golfer and has been known to frequent the course. In fact, Murray has even been known to participate in the annual “Caddyshack” golf tournament held at the course, which benefits various charities.

The course has also played host to several celebrity charity tournaments, including the Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational and the Arnold Palmer Invitational. These events attract a variety of famous faces from the world of sports, entertainment, and politics.

Even decades after the film’s release, the golf course from Caddyshack remains a popular destination for celebrity golfers and fans of the movie alike, cementing its place as one of the most iconic movie locations in history.

Visiting the Caddyshack Golf Course Today

If you’re a fan of the movie Caddyshack, you might be interested in visiting the golf course where it was filmed. Today, the course is known as the Grande Oaks Golf Club, and it’s located in Davie, Florida.

When you visit the Grande Oaks Golf Club, you can play a round of golf on the same course where Bill Murray, Chevy Chase, and Rodney Dangerfield once played. The course has been updated since the movie was filmed, but it still has many of the same features and challenges.

Aside from golf, you can also check out the Caddyshack restaurant, which is located on the property. The restaurant is filled with memorabilia from the movie, and it’s a great place to grab a bite to eat after your round of golf.

What to Expect when Visiting the Course

If you’re planning a visit to the Caddyshack golf course, you’re in for a treat! The course is well-maintained and offers a unique golfing experience. Here’s what you can expect when you visit:

  • Movie references: The course pays homage to the movie with references and memorabilia scattered throughout the property.
  • Challenging holes: The course is not easy and provides a challenge for golfers of all skill levels.
  • Friendly staff: The staff is knowledgeable, friendly, and eager to help visitors have a great experience.
  • Scenic views: The course is located in a beautiful area with views of the Intracoastal Waterway and surrounding marshes.
  • Unique amenities: In addition to golf, the course offers other activities such as mini-golf and a driving range.

Overall, visiting the Caddyshack golf course is a must for any fan of the movie or avid golfer looking for a challenging and unique experience. Book your tee time today!

Caddyshack Memorabilia at the Course

If you’re a fan of the movie, you’ll be thrilled to know that there’s plenty of memorabilia on display at the course. The clubhouse is filled with posters, photos, and other items related to the movie, and you can also find merchandise for sale, such as hats, t-shirts, and golf balls with the Caddyshack logo.

One of the most popular items of memorabilia at the course is the “Cinderella Story” plaque, which commemorates the scene where Carl Spackler imagines himself winning the Masters while working on the course. Visitors can take a photo with the plaque and relive the iconic moment from the movie.

In addition to the clubhouse, there are also several memorials throughout the course that pay tribute to the movie. For example, the ninth hole has a plaque that reads, “Here lies the remains of Carl Spackler’s explosive device,” referencing the scene where Spackler tries to blow up a gopher hole.

Other Places to Visit in the Area

  • Wicklow Mountains National Park: If you’re looking for breathtaking natural scenery, then a visit to Wicklow Mountains National Park is a must. This beautiful park is located just a short drive from the golf course and offers stunning views of rolling hills, waterfalls, and forests.
  • Powerscourt Estate: Powerscourt Estate is a grand country house and gardens located in County Wicklow. The estate features impressive architecture, beautiful gardens, and a scenic waterfall. It’s a great place to relax and take in the beauty of the Irish countryside.
  • Glendalough: Glendalough is a historic site located in the Wicklow Mountains. It’s home to an impressive monastic settlement founded in the 6th century, and it also offers some of the best hiking trails in the region.

Aside from these natural and historical sites, the area is also home to some great restaurants and pubs, including the famous Johnny Fox’s Pub. Whether you’re looking for a cozy place to grab a pint or a fine dining experience, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes.

Lastly, if you’re interested in exploring more of Ireland, Dublin is just a short drive away. This vibrant city is known for its rich history, lively nightlife, and friendly locals. It’s a great place to experience Irish culture firsthand.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the inspiration behind the Caddyshack golf course?

The Caddyshack golf course was inspired by a real golf course called Rolling Hills Country Club located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The film’s co-writer and director, Harold Ramis, was a member of the country club and used his experiences there as inspiration for the movie.

How did the Caddyshack golf course become famous?

The Caddyshack golf course became famous after the release of the movie in 1980. The film’s comedic portrayal of the country club culture and its characters made it an instant classic and a pop culture phenomenon, which in turn made the golf course famous.

Is the Caddyshack golf course a real golf course?

Yes, the Caddyshack golf course is a real golf course located in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Originally named the Ocean Course at the Ponte Vedra Inn and Club, the course was later renamed to honor the movie that made it famous.

Can anyone play at the Caddyshack golf course?

Yes, anyone can play at the Caddyshack golf course. The course is open to the public and offers a variety of tee boxes to accommodate golfers of all skill levels.

Are there any Caddyshack-themed attractions at the golf course?

Yes, there are several Caddyshack-themed attractions at the golf course, including a restaurant and bar called the Caddyshack Cafe, a gift shop that sells Caddyshack merchandise, and a mini-golf course inspired by the movie.

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