On April 1, 2025, the world of sports and entertainment converged as two significant events unfolded, both linked to the beloved character Happy Gilmore. First, Happy Gilmore, a freshman golfer at Ball State University, signed a Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deal with Sunday Golf, a rapidly growing golf bag company. Simultaneously, Netflix released a teaser trailer for the much-anticipated sequel to the classic comedy film, Happy Gilmore, set to premiere on July 25, 2025.
Happy Gilmore, hailing from Bloomington, Indiana, has made a name for himself in the golfing community. Before joining Ball State, he was a four-time all-state golfer at Bloomington South High School. Currently, he boasts an impressive scoring average of 73.44 across 18 rounds, positioning him as a key player for the Cardinals as they pursue an NCAA title. This partnership with Sunday Golf, which will continue at least through 2025, marks a significant milestone for both the athlete and the company.
Ronan Galvin, the CEO and co-founder of Sunday Golf, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, "Not only is Happy a perfect fit for our team, but he’s very passionate about putting a bigger spotlight on college golf and the Ball State program. We were already huge fans of his game, but we became bigger fans of his character after getting to know him. We’re honored to have this young man be a part of Sunday Golf – he’s truly a star in the making and when they make a movie about him we’ll be in the front row to watch it.”
In response, Gilmore shared his excitement about the collaboration, saying, "Sunday Golf and I share the same vision for the game – making it more fun for everyone. After visiting their office and meeting them in person, it really made me feel welcomed to the team. They have a great time together and all the new products they’re working on will bring out the best in golf. I’m proud to be team Sunday Golf!”
Sunday Golf, founded in 2020, has quickly established itself in the market with innovative products designed to make golf more accessible and enjoyable. The company first gained attention with its Loma bag, a minimalist golf bag tailored for par 3 courses and driving range trips. Since then, their product line has expanded to include midsize, full-size, cart, and youth golf bags, all available online at major golf retailers nationwide.
Meanwhile, the teaser trailer for Happy Gilmore 2 has sparked excitement among fans of the original film. Adam Sandler returns to reprise his iconic role as the titular character, alongside several familiar faces from the first movie, including Christopher McDonald as Shooter McGavin, Julie Bowen as Virginia Venit, and Ben Stiller as Hal. The trailer also introduces new cast member Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, better known as musician Bad Bunny, who joins a talented ensemble that includes Conor Sherry, Ethan Cutowsky, Maxwell Jacob Friedman, Philip Fine Schneider, Blake Clark, and Sandler’s daughters, Sadie and Sunny.
Adding to the movie's appeal, real-life golfers such as Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, Bryson DeChambeau, and John Daly are featured in the film. The star-studded lineup extends beyond the golf world, with appearances from notable sports figures like Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, former NFL running back Reggie Bush, WWE Superstar Becky Lynch, and All Elite Wrestling star MJF.
The official description of Happy Gilmore 2 teases a continuation of the beloved story, stating, "At the end of the original Happy Gilmore, Sandler’s titular character was finally at rest after a long, strenuous season of golf… He showed the golf snobs who’s boss, saved his grandmother’s house, and returned home at last.” This nostalgic nod is sure to resonate with fans who have followed Gilmore’s journey since the original film’s release.
The dual announcements of Gilmore's NIL deal and the Happy Gilmore 2 trailer highlight the enduring legacy of the character and the impact of sports on popular culture. For Gilmore, the partnership with Sunday Golf represents an opportunity to elevate his profile in the golfing community while also contributing to the growth of college golf. For fans of the film, the sequel promises to bring back the humor and heart that made the original a classic.
As the release date for Happy Gilmore 2 approaches, anticipation builds not only for the film but also for the continued success of Happy Gilmore as he navigates his collegiate golf career. With a bright future ahead, both the golfer and the character he shares a name with are set to make waves in their respective arenas.
For more information on Sunday Golf and Happy Gilmore’s NIL signing, visit sundaygolf.com. Fans eager to catch the latest updates on Happy Gilmore 2 can find the teaser trailer on Netflix.
