Adam Sandler's inspiration for Happy Gilmore, the movie's initial critical reception, and its lasting impact on comedy.
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.
