Maginnes: Mother of all theme parties
 
May. 31, 2007

What is your favorite golf movie?

"Dead Solid Perfect," based on the Dan Jenkins novel, is my personal favorite. For some reason most of the women that I ask like "Tin Cup." They must be Cheech Marin fans. For the vast majority of people, though, the answer to that question is "Caddyshack." Of course, everyone agrees that "Caddyshack II" is the worst golf movie ever made. If it wasn't for "Mars Attacks," it might be the worst movie -- period.

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Our John Maginnes writes that nobody loves "Caddyshack" like the folks in Dublin, Ohio. (Badz/PGA TOUR/WireImage)

A year ago during the Memorial Tournament, I attended a party in Muirfield Village that belied the subdued neighborhood. To call it a "theme" party doesn't quite capture the creativity and silliness that ensues annually at the Caddyshack Party.

In the front yard of the large house is a replica of the Bushwood Country Club sign. Judge Smails greets you at the door with, "how 'bout a Fresca." Every possible character is there. One unknown individual comes every year in a full gopher costume. Heck, he may not even be an invited guest. On the up side, though, he never takes off the woolly gopher head so the open bar is safe from the interloper.

Last year someone came as the loofa -- the one Mrs. Smails asked Danny for in the shower scene. Someone else came as a Baby Ruth Bar, which is what Carl found in the bottom of the swimming pool after Caddy Swim Day. And of course, there were plenty of Carls. One came as Carl from the assistant greenkeeper's shack -- replete with a jug of wine and a long "cigar." Another Carl attacked the landscaping in the backyard with a swing blade. Yet another Carl carried around "plastic explosives" in the shape of small woodland creatures. They all were doing their best Bill Murray impersonations.

There were several Lacy Underalls talking about bullfights and skinny skiing. The Lacys stayed pretty close to the the trio of Ty impersonators, each wearing a white Hogan hat. They measure themselves against other players by height.

Whenever a Judge Smails caught a Lacy near a Danny... well, you saw the movie.

Everyone steered clear of the Bishop -- there were thunderstorms in the area. After a couple of glasses of holy water, not even Dr. Beeper could save him.

Music and drinks flowed. There were enough Rodney Dangerfields there to earn some cumulative respect. One creative person even came as Rodney's golf bag... complete with tap and phone.

Awards were given out toward the shank of the evening. The host won the award for the best Judge Smails. No "best Maggie" award was given out because all the Maggies were late.

Most golf fans of a certain age can quote many of the lines from "Caddyshack." Who among us hasn't stood on the practice tee and said, "Cinderella story here at the Masters." However, we are just fans -- in Dublin, Ohio, they are fanatics.

This year I can't decide whether to go as Carl's leaf blower or one of the trophies in Judge Smail's office. Either way it is sure to be a good time.