Caddyshack plot hole question

I wondered about that also even as a kid because I used to golf. A single putt would’ve only tied. I guess there’s some off screen conversation where the understanding is that a push is a victory for Chevy and Rodney.

Did the judge make the challenge? I can’t remember. Maybe a push went to the challenged party. Either way, it’s clear that the writers hoped the audience wouldn’t think about it too much.

The match is all-square, all four players are on the green, and there’s $80,000 riding on the match. Dr. Beeper and Ty Webb each two-putt but Judge Smails knocks-in his putt, leaving Noonan needing to hole his putt to tie the match.

But that’s where it all goes off the rails.

Al Czervik, who is financing the Noonan-Webb side, turns to Judge Smails and offers a double-or-nothing bet (bringing the total to $80,000) on Noonan making his putt. Not only does he change the amount but he also changes the terms, which is significant because Czervik has already lost the previous bet all while Judge Smails still maintained his chance to win if Noonan misses.

And Smails accepts the bet anyway, like an idiot.


However...under the officials rules of golf, Noonan didn’t make that putt. The ball had clearly come to rest and was moved by an outside agency. It doesn’t matter that the explosion knocked it into the hole: The ball needs to be replaced, with no penalty, to its original location, therefore ensuring Judge Smails’ victory.

But, we all know what happens, Smails and Dr. Beeper are out $80K each on a bet they didn't even lose, and we're all gonna get laid.

I’ve always had a bigger problem with Ty playing so bad in the match.
We’ve seen what he can do. He has uncashed checks all over his house from winning tournaments. Why did he choke up in this game?

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we're all gonna get laid.

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This is what the movie is about, details are not central to the plot. I love every minute of this movie.

The double or nothin negated the original bet. Al did it because he knew at best it would be even, or worse, he’d be out 80 grand. Just uping the stakes so there was a chance he could win, and Judge couldn’t resist.

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Watching now and this is silly but whatever. Before the last hole he says it's all even. The doc 2 putts, the judge 1 putts. Chevy 2 putts and Danny 1 putts. Wouldn't it be even? Does the double or nothing right before the putt negate the whole game bet? A double or nothing bet usually is made after a bet is won/lost. The game wasn't over and it ended in a tie. Great movie regardless.

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this is the way i understood things

yes they were tied, but the bet was judge beats them so a tie goes against the judge andhe loses.

next the double or nothing bet was on that one put only and i take that to mean it replaced the original bet.

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he said he can play as long as there is nothing to lose but if he bets he folds under the stress.

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That how I always understood it.

I’ve always had a bigger problem with Ty playing so bad in the match.
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Didn’t he shut the car door on his hand when arriving to play ?
“I didn’t do that, didn’t do that “ as he’s jumping around

there are no plot holes in caddyshack

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Does the double or nothing right before the putt negate the whole game bet?

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Yes. Al got the Judge to agree to double or nothing if Danny made the putt. Nothing else matters at that point.