Let’s be honest, golf is usually about as exciting as watching paint dry in a library. But back in 1996, Adam Sandler decided to fix that by smashing a hockey stick into the turf and screaming at a ball to go to its home. It worked. Happy Gilmore became the ultimate underdog anthem for every person who ever wanted to headbutt a country club snob. Now, nearly thirty years later, Netflix has finally dropped the sequel.
While everyone was busy freaking out over Travis Kelce’s haircut or Bad Bunny’s swing, the real MVP of the movie was hiding in plain sight. I'm talking about the man, the myth, the diet coke-drinking legend: John Daly.
In Happy Gilmore 2, John Daly isn't just a face in the crowd. He’s basically the spiritual successor to Chubbs Peterson, but with more nicotine and better pants.
The Chaos We Needed: John Daly in Happy Gilmore 2
If you’ve followed golf even casually, you know John Daly is the only pro who actually fits in the "Happy Gilmore" universe. The guy literally won the PGA Championship as a rookie alternate while smoking Marlboros. He’s the anti-establishment hero of the links. So, seeing him show up as a fictionalized version of himself in the sequel felt like a cosmic necessity.
Basically, in the film, Daly plays a version of himself who has somehow ended up as a permanent tenant in Happy’s garage. It’s hilarious. While Happy is struggling with a mid-life crisis—having relapsed into a bit of a funk after his wife Virginia (Julie Bowen) passed away—Daly is there to provide "guidance."
If your idea of guidance involves watching Love Island and squirting hand sanitizer into your mouth to "cleanse the palate," then Daly is your guy. He’s the one who eventually pushes Happy to stop moping and "Grip it and rip it" one more time.
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Why this works so well
The chemistry is just there. Sandler and Daly have been buddies for years, and it shows on screen. Daly isn't trying to be an Oscar winner. He’s just being John Daly, which is exactly what the movie needed.
- The Look: He’s rocking the full Santa-claus-at-the-beach beard and pants that look like a psychedelic accident at a fabric store.
- The Vibe: He brings a weirdly sincere "mentor" energy that somehow fills the void left by the late, great Carl Weathers.
- The Comedy: His timing is surprisingly sharp. There’s a scene where he and Steve Buscemi (who returns as the "crazy neighbor") just lose their minds watching Happy play, and it's pure, unadulterated Sandler-verse gold.
Realism Meets Ridiculousness
One thing that makes Happy Gilmore 2 stand out from other lazy sequels is how it handles the golf world. Instead of just making up fake pros, they leaned into the current civil war in golf. You’ve got the PGA Tour guys and the LIV Golf guys all rubbing shoulders.
But Daly? He transcends all that. He’s the bridge between the old-school grit of the first movie and the high-production sheen of the new one.
Critics have been a bit split on the movie. Some say it's too heavy on the cameos—and yeah, seeing Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy pop up is a bit jarring—but most agree that the Daly/Sandler scenes are the heart of the comedy. It feels less like a corporate Netflix product and more like two old friends hanging out in a garage, which, ironically, is exactly what the plot is.
A Quick Reality Check on the Cast
It wasn't just about the golfers. The sequel went all in. Here's who else showed up to the party:
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- Ben Stiller: Back as the terrifying retirement home orderly, Hal L.
- Shooter McGavin: Christopher McDonald is still the greatest villain in sports cinema. Period.
- Benny Safdie: Playing a energy drink mogul who tries to "sponsor" the chaos.
Honestly, though? Daly outshines them all because he doesn't feel like he's acting. When he tells Happy that the only way to save his family is to get back on the green, you almost believe him.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Cameo
A lot of people think Daly was just brought in for a quick "hey look, it’s that guy" moment. That’s not it. His role is actually pivotal to the emotional arc of the film.
Happy is "washed up" at the start of the sequel. He’s drinking too much, he’s lost his spark, and he’s grieving. Daly’s character serves as a mirror. Here is a guy who has lost millions—real-life John Daly has famously struggled with gambling and divorces—but he’s still standing. He’s still "himself."
That’s the lesson Happy has to learn. It’s not about the trophy; it’s about the attitude. "Grip it and rip it" isn't just a golf tip; it's a life philosophy for people who have been kicked around by the world.
How to Watch and What to Look For
If you haven't sat down with a cold one to watch this yet, you're missing out on some prime comfort food cinema. It premiered on Netflix on July 25, 2025, and it’s been hovering in the Top 10 ever since.
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Pro tip for your viewing: Watch the background in the garage scenes. There are a ton of references to Daly’s actual career and the original Happy Gilmore hidden in the clutter. It’s like an Easter egg hunt for people who spent their childhoods quoting the "Price is Right" fight.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
If you're looking to channel your inner Happy (or John), here’s how to handle the hype:
- Check out Daly’s real-life podcast appearances: If you liked him in the movie, his interview on the Like a Farmer podcast where he talked about filming is actually pretty heartwarming.
- Don't expect a masterpiece: It’s a Sandler movie. It’s loud, it’s silly, and it’s sentimental. Go in with the right expectations and you'll have a blast.
- Watch for the tribute: There is a very subtle, beautiful tribute to Carl Weathers (Chubbs) and Cameron Boyce that is worth staying tuned for.
The sequel might not reinvent the wheel, but it reminds us why we liked the wheel in the first place. And honestly? Having John Daly as the soul of the movie was a hole-in-one nobody saw coming.
Go watch it. Then go find some loud pants and hit the driving range. Just maybe leave the hand sanitizer in the bottle.