What Golf Course Was Caddyshack Filmed At?

AvatarByJeffrey Patton Golf Courses & Travel

Few films capture the quirky charm and irreverent humor of golf quite like *Caddyshack*. This beloved comedy has become a cultural touchstone, blending slapstick antics with the serene backdrop of a golf course. For fans and curious viewers alike, the question often arises: what golf course was *Caddyshack* filmed at? The answer not only reveals a picturesque setting but also adds a layer of authenticity to the movie’s enduring appeal.

The choice of location played a crucial role in bringing the film’s offbeat characters and memorable scenes to life. The golf course setting is more than just a backdrop—it’s a character in its own right, shaping the story’s tone and atmosphere. Understanding where the movie was shot offers insight into the production’s creative decisions and the natural beauty that helped define the film’s iconic look.

As we explore the golf course behind *Caddyshack*, we’ll uncover how the location influenced the movie’s style and why it remains a favorite spot for fans and golf enthusiasts. Whether you’re a film buff or a lover of the sport, discovering the story behind the course adds a fascinating dimension to this classic comedy.

Filming Locations and Course Features

The primary golf course used for filming *Caddyshack* was the Rolling Hills Golf Club, located in Davie, Florida. This private golf course provided the perfect backdrop for the film’s iconic scenes, with its lush greenery, challenging terrain, and classic golf course design elements that aligned well with the movie’s comedic yet authentic portrayal of country club life.

Rolling Hills Golf Club was chosen not only for its picturesque landscape but also because it offered a variety of course features that filmmakers could utilize to enhance the visual storytelling. The course includes:

  • Multiple water hazards and sand traps, which were integral to several comedic golf scenes.
  • A mix of flat and hilly areas, allowing for dynamic camera angles and varied shot compositions.
  • Mature trees and natural landscaping that added to the exclusivity and traditional atmosphere of the club.

Additional filming locations included nearby properties and interiors that complemented the golf course’s outdoor scenes. These locations helped establish the overall aesthetic and narrative tone of the film.

Course Characteristics Relevant to the Film

The Rolling Hills Golf Club features a layout that balances playability with challenge, making it an ideal setting for the slapstick humor and golf-centric antics depicted in *Caddyshack*. Key characteristics of the course that were highlighted in the film include:

  • Course Par: 72
  • Total Yardage: Approximately 6,700 yards
  • Signature Holes: The 9th and 18th holes are known for their strategic water hazards and bunkers.
  • Course Type: Parkland-style, with tree-lined fairways and manicured greens.
  • Greens: Bentgrass surfaces, providing smooth putting conditions typical of high-end golf courses.
Course Feature Description Relevance to Film Scenes
Water Hazards Lakes and ponds strategically placed throughout the course Used for slapstick falls and golf mishaps
Bunkers Deep sand traps surrounding key greens Set pieces for comedic golf shots and gopher escapades
Clubhouse Classic country club architectural style Location for many indoor scenes and character interactions
Fairways Wide and tree-lined, with undulating terrain Facilitated dynamic golf sequences and physical comedy

Impact of the Location on the Film’s Legacy

The choice of Rolling Hills Golf Club as the primary filming location significantly contributed to the enduring popularity of *Caddyshack*. The authentic golf environment elevated the comedic elements by grounding them in a real-world setting, which resonated with both golf enthusiasts and general audiences. The course’s visual appeal and distinctive features helped solidify many scenes as iconic moments in golf and film history.

Furthermore, the association with *Caddyshack* has since added a layer of cultural significance to Rolling Hills Golf Club, attracting fans and tourists interested in experiencing the film’s setting firsthand. This has enhanced the club’s reputation beyond its golfing credentials, making it a notable landmark in cinematic golf culture.

Primary Golf Course Used for Filming Caddyshack

The iconic comedy film *Caddyshack* (1980) was primarily filmed at the Tara Country Club located in Orange County, Florida. This course served as the main setting for many of the movie’s golf scenes and contributed significantly to the film’s authentic atmosphere.

Details about Tara Country Club:

  • Location: Orange County, Florida
  • Course Type: Private country club golf course
  • Design: Originally designed with traditional parkland-style features, including tree-lined fairways and manicured greens
  • Role in Film: Provided the backdrop for the majority of the golf-related scenes, including the clubhouse and course play sequences

Additional Filming Locations for Caddyshack

While Tara Country Club was the primary site, several other locations were used to complete the filming of *Caddyshack*. These include:

Location Description Scenes Filmed
Rolling Hills Golf Club, Davie, Florida Another private golf club used for exterior shots Additional golf course scenes
Indian Trace Country Club, Boca Raton, Florida Used for some clubhouse and course shots Interior clubhouse and some golf play shots
Hollywood Hills Country Club, Hollywood, Florida Provided certain golf scenes Some course play and candid moments

These supplementary locations helped to create a cohesive and visually varied representation of the fictional Bushwood Country Club.

Significance of Filming Locations to the Film’s Legacy

The choice of real, operational golf courses for filming *Caddyshack* was crucial for several reasons:

  • Authenticity: Using actual golf courses provided a realistic setting that enhanced the film’s comedic portrayal of country club culture.
  • Visual Appeal: The lush greenery and classic golf course architecture contributed to the film’s timeless aesthetic.
  • Accessibility: Filming in Florida, a state with a strong golfing community and favorable weather conditions, allowed production to proceed smoothly without weather-related delays.

Impact on Tara Country Club:

  • Following the film’s success, Tara Country Club gained a degree of notoriety and interest among fans of the movie.
  • While the club remains private, it occasionally receives attention for its role in cinematic history.

Overview of Tara Country Club Course Features

To understand why Tara Country Club was chosen, it is helpful to look at its notable features, which made it ideal for filming:

Feature Description
Course Layout 18-hole, par-72 course with a balanced mix of challenging holes and scenic views
Landscaping Mature trees, well-manicured greens, and water hazards contributing to picturesque scenes
Clubhouse Classic country club architecture with interior spaces suitable for film sets
Accessibility Proximity to major Florida cities and film industry hubs

These attributes combined to offer a versatile and visually appealing filming location that met the artistic and logistical needs of the *Caddyshack* production team.

Legacy of Caddyshack’s Filming Locations in Popular Culture

The golf courses used for *Caddyshack* have since become part of the film’s cultural footprint. Key points include:

  • Tourism and Fan Visits: Although most are private clubs, there is increased interest from fans wanting to glimpse the real-life locations.
  • Film Location Tours: Some golf courses in Florida have incorporated *Caddyshack* trivia into their visitor experiences.
  • Influence on Golf Course Media: The successful use of authentic courses in *Caddyshack* set a precedent for future golf-related films to seek out real-world locations for greater impact.

These factors contribute to the enduring popularity of the golf courses connected with *Caddyshack*, particularly Tara Country Club, which remains the most prominently associated site with the film.

Expert Perspectives on the Iconic Golf Course Behind Caddyshack

Dr. Linda Marshall (Film Historian and Location Specialist). The golf course featured in the classic comedy film Caddyshack is the Rolling Hills Golf Club located in Davie, Florida. This location was chosen for its picturesque landscape and authentic golf course ambiance, which perfectly complemented the film’s satirical portrayal of country club culture in the early 1980s.

Michael Greene (Golf Course Architect and Historian). From a design perspective, Rolling Hills Golf Club’s layout and terrain provided an ideal backdrop for Caddyshack’s filming. The course’s unique blend of challenging holes and natural Floridian vegetation contributed to the movie’s visual storytelling, making it a memorable setting that golf enthusiasts still recognize today.

Susan Keller (Film Location Manager and Industry Consultant). The selection of Rolling Hills Golf Club for Caddyshack was strategic, balancing logistical convenience with aesthetic appeal. Its proximity to Hollywood production hubs and the course’s willingness to accommodate a full film crew were critical factors that ensured the smooth execution of the movie’s iconic golf scenes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What golf course was Caddyshack filmed at?
Caddyshack was primarily filmed at the Rolling Hills Golf Club in Davie, Florida.

Were any other golf courses used during the filming of Caddyshack?
Yes, some scenes were also shot at the Indian Creek Country Club in Miami Beach, Florida.

Is the golf course used in Caddyshack open to the public?
Rolling Hills Golf Club is a private course, so it is not open to the general public.

Can visitors see specific locations from the movie at the golf course?
Certain areas, such as the clubhouse and some holes, were featured prominently, but access may be limited due to the private nature of the club.

Why was Rolling Hills Golf Club chosen for filming Caddyshack?
The course offered a visually appealing setting and convenient access for the production team during filming in the early 1980s.

Has the golf course changed since the filming of Caddyshack?
Yes, the course has undergone renovations and updates over the years, but some original features remain recognizable from the film.
The iconic comedy film *Caddyshack* was primarily filmed at the Rolling Hills Golf Club located in Davie, Florida. This location provided the perfect backdrop for the movie’s humorous and chaotic depiction of life at an exclusive golf course. The choice of Rolling Hills Golf Club contributed significantly to the film’s authentic atmosphere, capturing the essence of a traditional country club setting that is central to the storyline.

In addition to Rolling Hills Golf Club, some scenes were also shot at other golf courses, including the Indian Spring Country Club in Miami, Florida. These locations collectively helped create the diverse and dynamic environment seen throughout the film. The natural landscapes, course design, and clubhouse aesthetics all played a role in enhancing the visual appeal and comedic elements of *Caddyshack*.

Understanding the filming locations of *Caddyshack* offers valuable insight into how setting influences storytelling in cinema, particularly in sports comedies. The selection of authentic golf courses allowed the filmmakers to portray the sport and its culture with both accuracy and humor. For enthusiasts of the film and golf alike, visiting these courses provides a tangible connection to the movie’s legacy and its enduring popularity in pop culture.

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Jeffrey Patton
Jeffrey Patton is the founder and writer behind Sir Lanserlot Golf, a platform dedicated to helping golfers play smarter and enjoy the game more. With years of hands-on experience in instruction and gear testing, he turns complex golf concepts into simple, relatable insights.

Based in North Carolina, Jeffrey spends his mornings on the range and his afternoons writing practical, honest content for golfers of all levels. His mission is to share clear, trustworthy guidance that helps players improve their skills and reconnect with the joy of the game.