Yes, you heard right, there is a real-life ‘Happy Gilmore’ and he is about to play golf at the collegiate level.
Happy is about to play golf, for real. A young man who goes by the name of ‘Happy’ Gilmore recently shared his announcement on Social Media that he is electing to take his talents to Ball State University.
I am very excited to announce that I have committed to continue my academic and golf career at Ball State University. I am very grateful for the opportunity Coach Fleck has given me! I would like to thank my family, my friends and coaches who push me everyday! @BallStateMGolf pic.twitter.com/nz36to47J2
— Happy Gilmore ⛳️ (@happygilmore_44) June 23, 2023
The name ‘Happy Gilmore’ was made famous by actor Adam Sandler’s portrayal of the loveable hockey player turned professional golfer in the hit comedy film of the same name which first debuted in 1996 and soon after became a cult classic.
Apparently, according to Gilmore’s official website, ‘Happy’ is just a nickname that was given to a 9-year-old Landon James Gilmore when he won a long drive competition as a kid. The site adds that upon receiving the nickname Landon ‘Happy’ Gilmore quickly aimed to perfect the iconic ‘Happy Gilmore Swing’ that was portrayed by Sandler in the hit film.
Adam Sandler congratulates Happy Gilmore.
It didn’t take long for the frenzy surrounding the real-life Happy Gilmore to spread across social media and grab the attention of the one and only Adam Sandler. The movie and entertainment icon was quick to personally congratulate Happy on Twitter.
my life is complete https://t.co/MnmyY3UD7I
— Happy Gilmore ⛳️ (@happygilmore_44) June 23, 2023
Understandably, Gilmore who grew up a massive fan of the hit film was elated when Sandler personally reached out to congratulate him on Friday.
The emergence of Happy Gilmore, the person, on the sporting scene follows PGA Tour and golfing star, Will Zalatoris’s rise to fame in recent years. Last year’s FedEx St. Jude Champion had previously been linked to another character in the Happy Gilmore film himself; Adam Sandler’s caddie in the movie portrayed by Canadian actor Jared Van Snellenberg.
Zalatoris and Sandler have had some fun interactions since the golfing star first burst onto the scene in recent years.
If you’re ever in need of a caddie again let me know. I’ll be better this time. I’m always available for you, Mr. Gilmore. https://t.co/R1e8awZIvh
— Will Zalatoris (@WillZalatoris) April 12, 2021
Congrats Will! I’m happy for you! Happy’s happy for you! Enjoy it all! pic.twitter.com/mlfRY2oYmr
— Adam Sandler (@AdamSandler) August 15, 2022
Real-life Happy will be hoping that he doesn’t have to crouch over his golf ball on the course and tell it to “Get in the hole” anytime soon, as Adam Sandler’s character once famously did in the iconic film.