On July 21, 2025, Netflix hosted the red carpet premiere of Happy Gilmore 2 at Lincoln Center in New York City, bringing together a mix of PGA TOUR stars, Hollywood actors, and social media influencers to celebrate the sequel to the cult classic comedy. The event showcased a unique blend of sports and entertainment, highlighting Adam Sandler’s return as the beloved character Happy Gilmore alongside appearances by notable athletes and A-list personalities.
The presence of PGA TOUR stars at the Happy Gilmore premiere reinforced the film’s connection to golf culture and its lasting appeal among sports enthusiasts, while the Hollywood cast and guest celebrities created an atmosphere charged with excitement and nostalgia.
Golf Stars Reflect on Happy Gilmore’s Cultural Impact
Scottie Scheffler, fresh off his second major win at The Open Championship, expressed how the iconic swing from the original film has influenced the sport’s culture. He stated,
“Everybody knows what the Happy Gilmore swing is,”
adding,
“Everybody tries to enact it when they’re young. It’s a part of golf culture for sure.”
—Scottie Scheffler, PGA TOUR star
Tony Finau also shared his enthusiasm for participating in the sequel, describing the experience as surreal. He commented,
“It feels surreal, to be honest,”
continuing,
“I think ‘Happy Gilmore’ is one of the greatest comedies of all time. To be a part of the sequel, it’s not even a dream come true because I didn’t even dream that something like this could happen. So it’s pretty special.”
—Tony Finau, PGA TOUR star
The sequel connects deeply with players who grew up admiring the original, underscoring the film‘s lasting influence in both golf and pop culture circles.
Star-Studded Cast and Surprise Golf Cameos Enhance Event
Adam Sandler led a diverse ensemble cast that includes Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio (Bad Bunny), Julie Bowen, Christopher McDonald reprising his role as Shooter McGavin, Benny Safdie, Kevin Nealon, Dennis Dugan, and Haley Joel Osment. The event was further energized by surprise golf legend appearances from John Daly, Lee Trevino, and Jim Furyk, alongside current PGA TOUR professionals such as Scheffler, Tony Finau, Collin Morikawa, and Will Zalatoris.
Social media influencers Paige Spiranac and Alix Earle were also in attendance, highlighting the film’s broad appeal extending beyond traditional golf and film fans, bridging the gap between online personalities and major entertainment events.
Excitement Continues Beyond the Premiere
Following the premiere, Scottie Scheffler made a notable appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, surprising Fallon with the claret jug, the trophy given to the winner of The Open Championship. This unexpected moment added to the festive mood surrounding the film and the golf season.
The premiere attracted a variety of celebrities, such as Jimmy Fallon and John Oliver, reinforcing the event’s high-profile status. Photographs captured attendees like Will Zalatoris and John Daly in attendance, along with other notable figures including Alayna and Tony Finau, underscoring the wide-ranging interest in this unique gathering.
A Sequel Poised to Delight Both New and Loyal Fans
The original Happy Gilmore, released in 1996, has since become a cultural fixture that blends irreverent comedy with a heartfelt nod to the eccentricities of golf. Nearly 30 years later, the sequel aims to reintroduce audiences to Happy’s wildly unconventional style, his enduring rivalry with Shooter McGavin, and the film’s signature blend of humor and heart.
With Sandler reprising his role, the addition of fresh comedic talent, and cameo appearances by real-life golf icons, Happy Gilmore 2 is positioned to connect with longtime fans while captivating a new generation. Its scheduled Netflix release on July 25, 2025, promises to continue the legacy of this beloved sports comedy.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is a PGA?
A. The Professional Golfers’ Association of America is an organization dedicated to supporting golf professionals in their careers.
Q. What does PGA mean?
A. The Professional Golfers’ Association of America is a U.S. group for men involved in professional golf. It began in 1916.
This organization organizes key tournaments throughout the golf season. Each year, they host the PGA Championship.
Q. What is PGA in medical terms?
A. Polyglandular autoimmune (PGA) syndromes, also known as polyglandular failure syndromes, involve several endocrine glands not working properly. Another name you might see is autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome (APS).