The Untold Story of Happy Gilmore: How a Hockey Player Inspired a Cult Classic

2025-07-26 06:00:37.94

Adam Sandler's childhood experiences at the driving range with his father and friend Kyle McDonough, a hockey player, sparked the idea for "Happy Gilmore." Sandler and co-writer Tim Herlihy, after the success of "Billy Madison," developed the concept of a hockey player applying his aggressive style to golf. Released in 1996, "Happy Gilmore" became a beloved 90s comedy, popularizing the unique hockey-style golf swing. Despite initial mixed reviews, with some critics describing the film as "boorish" and comparing it to a violent sociopath, the movie has achieved cult classic status, cementing the comedic performances of Sandler, Bob Barker, Christopher McDonald, and Carl Weathers.