Adam Sandler’s Happy Gilmore 2 is now streaming on Netflix, bringing back the loud-mouthed golfer nearly 30 years after the original film. While the movie is fictional, the character was inspired by a real person—Sandler’s childhood friend Kyle McDonough, a former hockey player with an unusual golf swing.
The Real-Life Inspiration for Happy Gilmore
The idea for Happy Gilmore came from Sandler’s childhood in New Hampshire. He met Kyle McDonough when he was six years old, and the two became close friends. McDonough was a talented hockey player, but he also had a powerful golf swing despite never training seriously in the sport.
Sandler’s father, Stanley Sandler, noticed McDonough’s unique style and said, “There’s something funny in there.” This observation later became the foundation for Happy Gilmore’s hockey-player-turned-golfer story.
McDonough went on to have a successful hockey career, playing professionally in Europe for over a decade. He later became a high school teacher in New Hampshire but remained friends with Sandler.
“I’ve been to many movie shoots and a couple of Super Bowls with him, and he always takes care of everything and treats his old buds like kings,” McDonough said in an interview.
How Sandler’s Father Shaped the Movie
Stanley Sandler was an avid golfer who often took young Adam to the driving range. His knowledge of the game helped shape the script of Happy Gilmore. Sandler and co-writer Tim Herlihy would call Stanley to ask questions like, “Does this make sense?” and “When you putt, what are you thinking?”
One of the film’s most famous lines—“It’s all in the hips”—came directly from Stanley. The movie also paid tribute to his love of golf by featuring legends like Jack Nicklaus, who makes a cameo in the sequel.
Is Happy Gilmore 2 Based on a True Story?
While Happy Gilmore 2 continues the fictional story of Happy’s golf career, it’s not based on real events. The sequel follows an older Happy struggling with personal loss and financial troubles before making a comeback to pay for his daughter’s ballet school.
The film includes real-life golfers like Rory McIlroy, Brooks Koepka, and John Daly, but their appearances are fictionalized. The plot revolves around a rivalry between traditional golf and a flashy new league called Maxi Golf, which is not based on any real-world organization.
The Legacy of Happy Gilmore
The original Happy Gilmore (1996) became a cult classic, known for its over-the-top humor and memorable scenes like the fight with Bob Barker. The sequel brings back many original cast members, including Christopher McDonald as Shooter McGavin and Julie Bowen as Happy’s late wife, Virginia.
Sandler’s long-time writing partner, Tim Herlihy, helped craft both films. They resisted making a sequel for years but finally agreed when they found a fresh angle—focusing on Happy as an older, more mature character.
“Sometimes you see a sequel and it just feels like new characters doing the same story,” Herlihy said. “We wanted to do the opposite: our characters that we love, but a bunch of different stuff happens.”
Fan Reactions to the Sequel
Since its release, Happy Gilmore 2 has received mixed reviews. Some fans love the return of classic characters, while others feel it relies too much on nostalgia.
“Best humans. I’ve always loved Adam and I love how they’re in many movies together. Adorable,” one fan wrote on social media.
Others enjoyed the new additions to the cast, including Bad Bunny as Happy’s caddy and Benny Safdie as the villainous energy drink CEO.
Where to Watch Happy Gilmore 2
The movie is now available on Netflix, along with the original Happy Gilmore. Fans can also explore behind-the-scenes content on Netflix’s Tudum website, including interviews with the cast and crew.
Also read: Adam Sandler’s Happy Gilmore 2 Filmed Across New Jersey: All Golf Courses and Local Spots Revealed
Credits: Netflix Tudum, TIME, Hindustan Times, Variety, RogerEbert.com, The Hollywood Reporter
