'Happy Gilmore 2': A Nostalgic Home Run That Proves Golf Can Still Be Fun

'Happy Gilmore 2': A Nostalgic Home Run That Proves Golf Can Still Be Fun originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

After nearly three decades of waiting, Adam Sandler has finally returned to the golf course with "Happy Gilmore 2," and I'm thrilled to report that this long-awaited sequel delivers exactly what fans have been hoping for.

As a 50-year-old, 30-year veteran of the golf industry and a 16-year PGA professional, you might think that a movie like this wouldn't necessarily be something I would love, but surprise — I absolutely do!

Why This Sequel Actually Works

Most legacy sequels feel like desperate cash grabs. "Happy Gilmore 2" doesn't. Director Kyle Newacheck gets it — this isn't about recapturing lightning in a bottle. It's about letting that lightning strike somewhere new.

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The film smartly weaves in flashbacks for newcomers without making longtime fans feel patronized. When my soon-to-be 16-year-old son texted me, "Just watched the original after seeing this — dude was WILD back then," I knew they'd threaded that needle perfectly.

The Cameo Game is Ridiculous (in the Best Way)

Let's talk about these cameos because they're absolutely bonkers.

I've worked with tour pros for years, so I know how awkward they can be on camera. Not here. Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy look like they're having the time of their lives. Bryson DeChambeau actually delivers his lines with real timing. Brooks Koepka, Jordan Spieth, Collin Morikawa and Xander Schauffele all show up ready to play.

The legends bring serious gravitas too. Fred Couples still has that smooth swagger, John Daly is exactly what you'd expect (in the best way), and Lee Trevino steals every second he's on screen. LPGA stars Nelly Korda and Charley Hull represent the women's game, and it felt right for them to have a place in the film. Nancy Lopez makes you smile just being there. And Jack Nicklaus? The Golden Bear absolutely crushes his scene.

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But it's not just golfers. Bad Bunny brings genuine charisma, Post Malone fits naturally into the chaos, and Travis Kelce has better comedic timing than half the actors in Hollywood. As a wrestling fan, seeing MJF and Becky Lynch pop up made me do a literal fist pump.

Here's the thing — these aren't celebrity drive-bys. Each cameo serves the story instead of stopping it dead.

Perfect Timing for Golf's Civil War

The LIV Golf storyline hits differently when you're watching it now. That "Real Golf" vs. corporate takeover angle? It's not subtle, and it shouldn't be. Golf's been through some stuff lately, and the movie captures that tension without getting preachy about it.

Side note: I genuinely want that "Real Golf" hat Happy wears. If Netflix starts selling those, take my money.

Critics Can Kick Rocks

Some reviewers are giving this mixed scores, and I think they're missing the entire point. This movie isn't trying to win awards — it's trying to make you laugh and feel good. Mission accomplished on both fronts.

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Yes, some jokes are stupid. That's the feature, not the bug. Sandler's whole thing has always been mixing clever with absurd, and when you're in the right headspace for it, it works like magic.

What This Movie Gets Right About Golf

As someone who's spent my career in this sport, I love how the film balances tradition with evolution. Golf can be stuffy and exclusionary, but it doesn't have to be. The message here — that golf should be fun first — resonates with anyone trying to grow the game.

We need more people like Happy Gilmore causing beautiful chaos on courses everywhere.

My Verdict

"Happy Gilmore 2" succeeds because it knows exactly what it is. It's not trying to be "Citizen Kane." It's trying to be a good time with characters you care about, and it delivers completely.

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I laughed consistently, felt genuinely nostalgic without wallowing in it, and walked away thinking about why I fell in love with golf in the first place. Sometimes that's enough.

Bottom line: Watch this movie. Especially if you loved the original, but honestly, even if you didn't.

Your Review

Have you seen "Happy Gilmore 2" yet? What did you think of Adam Sandler's return to the links?

Drop your thoughts below — which cameo was your favorite? Did the golf industry jokes land for you? I'm curious to hear what other people in the industry thought about this one.

Related: The Top 10 Golf Movies of All Time — in No Particular Order

Related: Golf Has Never Been Cooler: How the Sport Conquered Pop Culture

Related: The Soul of American Golf: A Journey Through the Game's Heart and Heritage

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 25, 2025, where it first appeared.