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Caddyshack

Caddyshack is a 1980 American sports comedy film directed by Harold Ramis.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Caddyshack is a 1980 American sports comedy film directed by Harold Ramis. Set at the fictional Bushwood Country Club, it follows a teenage caddie trying to earn money for college while the club’s members and staff cause escalating chaos.

Plot

The film follows Danny Noonan, a caddie at Bushwood Country Club, as he tries to improve his prospects and secure a scholarship for college. Around him, eccentric members, staff, and guests create a chaotic comedy rooted in class conflict and golf-course antics.

Cast and characters

The ensemble includes Chevy Chase as Ty Webb, Rodney Dangerfield as Al Czervik, Bill Murray as groundskeeper Carl Spackler, Ted Knight as Judge Elihu Smails, and Michael O’Keefe as Danny Noonan. Cindy Morgan also appears as Lacey Underall.

Production

Caddyshack was directed by Harold Ramis and written by Ramis, Douglas Kenney, and Brian Doyle-Murray. It was produced by Douglas Kenney and released by Orion Pictures with Warner Bros. handling distribution. The film was Ramis's directorial debut.

Reception and legacy

Although the film was not warmly reviewed on release, it became popular with audiences and developed a strong reputation over time. It is now widely regarded as one of the best-known golf comedies and a major comedy cult film.

Key facts

  • Sports comedy about golf and country-club culture.
  • Stars Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield, Bill Murray, Michael O'Keefe, and Ted Knight.
  • Harold Ramis made his directorial debut with the film.
  • Initially received mixed or negative reviews but later became a cult classic.
  • Set at the fictional Bushwood Country Club.
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Canadian context

The film has long been shown on Canadian television and remains familiar to Canadian audiences as a widely quoted American comedy, especially among viewers interested in golf and classic sports comedies.

Frequently asked questions

What is Caddyshack about?
It is a comedy about a teen caddie at an upscale country club who is trying to win money for college while the club’s members and staff generate chaos.
Who directed Caddyshack?
Harold Ramis directed the film in his directorial debut.
When was Caddyshack released?
It was released in the United States on July 25, 1980.
Who starred in Caddyshack?
Major cast members include Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield, Bill Murray, Ted Knight, Michael O’Keefe, and Cindy Morgan.
Was Caddyshack successful?
It was initially reviewed poorly, but it performed well enough at the box office and later gained lasting cult status.

References

  1. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Caddyshack
    Supports: Film overview, director, writers, cast, plot, and legacy.
  2. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/caddyshack
    Supports: Synopsis, release date, runtime, genre, director, producers, distributors, and cast.
  3. Moving the River — https://movingtheriver.com/2020/07/16/the-cult-movie-club-17-things-i-didnt-know-about-caddyshack/
    Supports: Release year, filming context, budget and box-office performance, and cult reputation.