Happy Gilmore is leaving the big screen and joining the putting greens. At least, if you’re a fan of Ball State men’s golf.
We’re not talking about the 1996 film of the same name, though. We’re talking about the high school golfer turned media sensation who announced his commitment to play college golf for the Cardinals on Friday.
Adam Sandler, who plays the titular character in the comedy about a hockey player turned golf star, offered his congratulations to the real-life Gilmore on his commitment in a tweet that is sure to warm your heart if you’re a fan of the movie.
Go get em Happy. Pulling for you. https://t.co/4o4LOoAWDN
— Adam Sandler (@AdamSandler) June 23, 2023
Gilmore’s response was even better.
my life is complete https://t.co/MnmyY3UD7I
— Happy Gilmore ⛳️ (@happygilmore_44) June 23, 2023
Gilmore — a Bloomington, Indiana, native whose legal name is actually Landon James Gilmore — earned the nickname “Happy” after winning a long-drive contest at the age of nine. Pretty easy to see how they may have put that one together.
He went viral in May 2022 while trying to qualify for the U.S. Open as an amateur. But while he may have a memeable name, he can also play. Gilmore ranks inside the top 500 of the junior boys’ amateur rankings, and he shot a 66 at U.S. Open qualifying.
But he’s also never played hockey in his life, so just don’t be expecting any slapshots at the tee.
