Unravelling the Mystery: The Golf Course Behind the Caddyshack Film

Avid fans of golf and classic cinema enthusiasts will undoubtedly recognize the iconic 80’s movie “Caddyshack.” An unusual pairing of Rodney Dangerfield's comedy genius with golf - a typically serious and gentlemanly game, it went on to become a cultural phenomenon. The real secret of the film, however, lies somewhere hidden in the fairways, the greens, and the clubhouse. It’s about time we unravel this mystery: what golf course served as the backdrop for all the film’s hilarity?

The acclaimed film was directed by Harold Ramis and written by Brian Doyle-Murray. Doyle-Murray and his younger siblings, Bill and John Murray, grew up in Wilmette, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, where they caddied at Indian Hill Club. Much of the antics, shenanigans, and character traits portrayed in the movie were directly inspired by their own experiences and observations at the club.

In fact, it is believed that the movie’s character, Al Czervik played by Rodney Dangerfield, is loosely based on Marvin Margolis, a flamboyant real-life character who was a member of the Indian Hills Club. Margolis, a Chicago real estate developer known for his loudmouthed nature and audacious wardrobe, was every bit as eccentric as the Czervik character he inspired.

The famous gopher, also a significant player in the movie, was added later, as a post-production afterthought. However, the idea of these burrowing rodents wreaking havoc on manicured golf greens was drawn from the common problem faced by many golf clubs, including the Indian Hill Club.

Despite all of this, the Indian Hill Club does not hold the distinction of being the actual shooting location for the film. That honor goes to the Rolling Hills Golf & Tennis Club (now Grande Oaks Golf Club) in Davie, Florida. Due to the production team's privacy needs and the duration of the filming period, shooting the movie in a bustling suburb like Wilmette was deemed impractical. Hence, the decision to shoot the film in a more isolated location.

Grande Oaks Golf Club embraces its connection with the movie, offering a unique experience for golf enthusiasts and movie fans alike. The club proudly displays a plaque in its clubhouse bar, commemorating its Hollywood history for all visiting patrons. The course itself underwent a major renovation in 1999, but it still bears resemblance to the layout seen in the film.

When it comes to iconic films, Caddyshack undoubtedly stands tall. Released in 1980, this golf-themed comedy has garnered a cult following and is regarded as one of the funniest sports movies every made. An important aspect that sets the comedic tone of the film are the scenes shot at the actual golf course. Its elaborate set design, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant atmosphere significantly contribute to the overall humor and charm of the film.

Firstly, to understand the profound impact of the film's setting, one must delve into the history of the golf course. The majority of Caddyshack was filmed at the Rolling Hills Country Club in Davie, Florida. Interestingly, the location was not an immediate choice. The decision was primarily influenced by external factors such as weather conditions, logistics, and budget constraints. The Florida golf course was selected as it allowed for flexible shooting schedules and had aesthetic appeal, both of which the producers deemed crucial for the film's success.

Furthermore, Rolling Hills Country Club, now known as the Grande Oaks Golf Club, is symbolic in a way that it perfectly encapsulates the class differential depicted in the film. This was a place where high profile individuals rubbed shoulders with the middle and lower classes. This alignment of the course's real-life status and the film's narrative played a pivotal role in making the comedy of Caddyshack believable and relatable.

Moreover, the film’s iconic scenes relied heavily on the golf course. The famous gopher scenes, which provide a recurring comedic subplot throughout the film, are a prime example. The use of the course’s natural greenery and the clever placement of artificial holes lent authenticity to these scenes, augmenting their comedic value. The film's climactic golf match, that combines underdog victory with the explosion of the gopher’s burrow, showcases the significant interplay between the golf course and the storyline.

Also, the ‘green’ scenes of Caddyshack are not merely restricted to the field. The film's clubhouse scenes offered a variety of comedic moments which were enriched by the distinct characteristics of its interiors. The original clubhouse, designed to exude a rich, grand aura, became the perfect setting for these instances of comic relief.

Finally, the golf course itself became a silent character in the film, adding depth to the narrative.