Behind the Scenes: Clint Eastwood’s Quiet Passion for Golf Amidst the Chaos of ‘The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly’

Clint Eastwood, the legendary actor and director, is synonymous with intense, stoic characters like the infamous “Man with No Name” in The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. The film, part of Sergio Leone’s iconic Dollars Trilogy, is known for its gritty, action-packed scenes and challenging production environment. However, behind the scenes, Eastwood maintained a contrasting, relaxed persona during breaks by indulging in his passion for golf—an unexpected leisure activity that reveals a different side to the star.

A Longtime Passion for Golf

Clint Eastwood’s love for golf is well-documented and goes back to his early teenage years. He began playing the sport around the age of 12 or 13 while working as a caddy in Oakland, California. By the 1960s, golf was a regular part of Eastwood’s life, and he was actively participating in events like the Bing Crosby National Pro-Am (now known as the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am) by 1963. His involvement in the sport was not just recreational; he was also serious about it, further emphasizing golf as an integral part of his personal life.

Eastwood’s connection to golf extended beyond casual enjoyment. As noted in interviews, his participation in tournaments and his eventual ownership of the Tehama Golf Club in California, which opened in 1999, demonstrate his long-term commitment to the sport. A Reddit post from the r/1960s community features a photo of Eastwood playing golf at his Hollywood Hills home in the early 1960s, reinforcing his dedication to the game. His enduring enthusiasm for golf became so well known that it was regularly discussed in interviews, including a Global Golf Post Q&A, which highlighted his active participation in the sport during the 1960s.

The Filming of The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly was filmed primarily in Spain, with locations like Burgos playing host to some of the movie’s most iconic scenes. While the production was notorious for its demanding conditions, which included dangerous stunts like the bridge explosion that nearly struck Eastwood with a 12-pound rock, the actor’s laid-back approach to leisure remained a consistent theme in his life. Despite the intense on-screen persona of his character, a rugged and stoic gunslinger, Eastwood found ways to unwind during the downtime between takes.

During breaks in filming, Eastwood was known to head out to the golf course, taking advantage of the opportunities to play near his filming locations. The proximity of golf courses to Burgos—like Saldaña Golf, a 9-hole course just 4.6 miles away, and Club de Golf Riocerezo, an 18-hole course 7.8 miles away—further supports the likelihood that Eastwood was able to play during his time in Spain. These courses, listed in several sources, were active by the time of filming and could easily have accommodated Eastwood’s golfing sessions during long breaks between scenes.

Balancing Intensity with Leisure

Eastwood’s ability to balance intense roles with personal hobbies like golf speaks to his broader approach to life and work. In interviews, he has discussed how maintaining personal interests, like golf, helps him navigate the pressures of his career. His off-screen demeanor—a far cry from the tough, no-nonsense characters he often portrayed—was often more relaxed, even in the midst of demanding projects.

Interviews with Eastwood, such as those featured in Empire, reveal that he always managed to carve out time for personal activities, even in the middle of intense work schedules. This duality in his public persona—combining the rugged, action-packed roles with a love for leisurely pursuits like golf—underscores Eastwood’s ability to remain grounded despite his fame. It is this balance of intensity and leisure that has helped him navigate a career that spans decades, allowing him to maintain both a successful film career and a fulfilling personal life.

Conclusion: The Contrast Between On-Screen Grit and Off-Screen Leisure

Clint Eastwood’s passion for golf offers a fascinating contrast to the tough, gritty characters he famously portrayed in films like The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. While his on-screen persona was defined by stoic determination, his off-screen activities painted a different picture—one of leisure, relaxation, and personal enjoyment. The fact that Eastwood was able to immerse himself in the sport during the filming of one of the most iconic Westerns of all time speaks to his disciplined yet balanced approach to life. This unique aspect of Eastwood’s off-screen life showcases a man who, despite the intense nature of his roles, always found time to unwind and enjoy the simpler pleasures life had to offer.