Tiger Woods delivered a flawless Happy Gilmore drive during a special challenge commemorating the release of Netflix’s Happy Gilmore 2 on July 25, 2025. The 15-time major champion’s remarkable performance captured the attention of fellow PGA Tour stars, including Rory McIlroy, as they all attempted the iconic golf swing made famous by Adam Sandler’s character in the original 1996 film.
Background on the Happy Gilmore Swing and Film Sequel
The Happy Gilmore swing is characterized by a running start toward the tee, followed by a powerful strike on the golf ball, a method that many players find difficult to perfect. The original film, starring Adam Sandler as an unconventional hockey player-turned-golf star, became a cult classic, and its sequel has renewed interest around this unusual but memorable swing style.
The Challenge Featuring Top Golf Professionals
To celebrate the movie’s 25th anniversary, TaylorMade arranged a challenge where several of golf’s most notable figures, including Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson, Collin Morikawa, Matthew Wolff, Tommy Fleetwood, and Woods himself, donned Boston Bruins jerseys reminiscent of the movie’s attire and took turns trying the swing. Woods was the first to step up, immediately demonstrating his mastery of the technique.
Woods’ Exceptional Performance Impresses Fellow Golfers
Woods executed the Happy Gilmore drive perfectly, sending the ball more than 250 yards down the fairway with both power and precision. His peers reacted with laughter and awe, as Rory McIlroy remarked,
“I mean, are we surprised?”
—Rory McIlroy, Professional Golfer. The other participants struggled to match Woods’ accuracy and power despite some solid strikes.
Rory McIlroy’s Comical Attempts and Other Players’ Efforts
Rory McIlroy experienced notable difficulty with the swing, requiring multiple attempts and even accidentally destroying a launch monitor while trying to mimic the technique. His mishaps provided entertainment to the gathered golfers, who enjoyed watching his lighthearted struggle. Meanwhile, players like Morikawa, Johnson, and Fleetwood made respectable contact but failed to replicate Woods’ extraordinary shot.
Tiger Woods’ Legendary Career and Roles in Happy Gilmore 2
Tiger Woods’ ability to perform this challenging swing is consistent with his storied career, which includes 15 major titles, beginning with his victory at the 1997 Masters as a 21-year-old. He has since added multiple Green Jackets to his record and became the youngest golfer to achieve a career Grand Slam. Beyond this challenge, Woods’ association with the film franchise—through this memorable moment—adds to his legend.
Rory McIlroy and Other Golf Stars Featured in the Sequel
Rory McIlroy is not only known for his comedic misfires in this challenge but also appears in Happy Gilmore 2 with a cameo role. The film also features appearances from other golfing luminaries such as Scottie Scheffler, Collin Morikawa, Justin Thomas, Will Zalatoris, Bryson DeChambeau, and Brooks Koepka. These cameo roles continue to bridge the worlds of professional golf and popular culture.
Significance of Woods’ Performance and Future Interest
Woods’ flawless Happy Gilmore drive underlines his continued influence in golf and popular media, showcasing his versatility beyond traditional tournaments. The video challenge has reinvigorated interest in this unique swinging technique and brought renewed attention to the Happy Gilmore franchise. With the sequel now available on Netflix, fans can expect further integration of golf stars into entertainment, blurring the lines between sports and film.