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Wisdom eternal: judge uses Caddyshack quotes to shoot down Giuliani case vs. Duke University

Wednesday May 20, 2009 | 17:50:00 336 words, 11063 views  

As if we didn’t need anymore evidence that Caddyshack is the bible for all things golf.

According to the report posted by TheSmokingGun.com, the judge ruling over the Andrew Giuliani vs. Duke University case found he could best explain his ruling in favor of the university by using Carl Spackler analogies from Caddyshack. From the NY Daily News:

Dixon wasted little time teeing up Giuliani and backing Duke, even employing references to classic golf movie “Caddyshack” to make his point, according to a copy of the decision posted Wednesday on TheSmokingGun.com.

Dixon quips that Giuliani’s attempt to use a particular legal maneuver - one not recognized in North Carolina courts - “brings to mind Carl Spackler’s analysis from the movie ‘Caddyshack.’”

“He’s on the final hole,” Dixon writes, quoting Spackler, the movie’s mumbling, gopher-chasing groundskeeper, played by comedian Bill Murray. “He’s about 455 yards away, he’s gonna hit about a 2 iron, I think.”

As any golfer knows, a 2 iron would do little to close such a hefty gap.

Earlier in the opinion, Dixon dispenses with another Giuliani argument by using the term “mulligan,” which in golf means a do-over.

“Plaintiff attempts to take a mulligan with this argument; however, this shot also lands in the drink,” wrote Dixon.

Finally, Dixon shuts down Giuliani’s argument that Duke was contractually obliged to keep Giuliani on the team.

“[Giuliani’s] fifth and final claim for declaratory judgement…can be disposed of with a hole-in-one sentence: no valid contract means no declaratory judgment,” Dixon concluded.

We can learn a few things from this most eloquent ruling: First, Caddyshack is appropriate in practically any forum. Secondly, even judges look for the opportunity to make people laugh.

Lastly, if you’re going to cut a lawyer’s son from a sports team, hire legal representation beforehand.

If you want to take a trip down memory lane, here’s WorldGolf.com’s list of Caddyshack quotes.

You can follow Brandon Tucker’s golf blog and more on Twitter: http://twitter.com/brandontucker or follow WorldGolf.com at Twitter.com/worldgolf

Permalink 5 comments

Comments, Pingbacks:

Comment from: ronmon [Visitor] · http://mon
Can't believe you missed the judge's gaffe. See my entry, chump. Nice new photo, by the way.
PermalinkPermalink 2009-05-20 @ 21:56
Comment from: famous golf quotes [Visitor] · http://www.livinggolf.net/golf-tips/golf-%E2%80%93-a-good-walk-spoiled/
Well, Brandon I believe that "Caddyshack" is more than just the bible of golf. Humor is given by God to us to use in a positive way. I was shocked to learn the other day that one of South Africa's famous comedians Jeremy Mansfield was diagnosed with Cancer. I was inspired to read in a local magazine that " Laughter is the best medicine ". There is a lot of golf quotes that inspire a lot of people, but I love those humorous ones even more.
PermalinkPermalink 2009-05-21 @ 09:57
Comment from: Mike Licht [Visitor] · http://notionscapital.com
The case hasn't done much for the sport, but it sure has revived the Golf Joke.

See:

http://notionscapital.wordpress.com/2009/05/21/giuliani-golf-tour/
PermalinkPermalink 2009-05-21 @ 16:21
Comment from: tom [Visitor]
You've got to see the angle on this amazing shot that Briny Baird hit. This is incredible and fun to see this kind of thing. Maybe the judge could make them raise money for military charities the way Briny did, here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HaTWJCPAogg
PermalinkPermalink 2009-05-23 @ 09:53
Comment from: Shanks [Visitor]
Good for Baird. Charity might have suffered if he was asked to make the putt too, especially if that was on a Sunday afternoon.
PermalinkPermalink 2009-05-26 @ 14:49

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Brandon Tucker Brandon Tucker

a WorldGolf.com Blog

WorldGolf.com's Brandon Tucker offers his unique perspective on golf and travel destinations from Scotland and Ireland to Myrtle Beach. He also chimes in on news events on the PGA and LPGA Tours, Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and other happenings around the world of golf.