Par for the Course: ‘Happy Gilmore 2’ Serves Father-Daughter Drama with a Side of Sports Luxe
Darlings, let me tell you something—when Adam Sandler announced the return of his iconically unhinged golfer Happy Gilmore, the fashion world collectively held its breath. Not because we’re suddenly obsessed with golf (though the sport has been having quite the renaissance among the style set), but because this sequel promises to deliver the kind of sartorial storytelling that only comes around once in a generation.
The original “Happy Gilmore,” which graced our screens in February 1996, wasn’t just a comedy—it was a cultural reset. While everyone was obsessing over the hockey-style swing and Bob Barker’s legendary cameo, those of us with a keen eye for style were taking notes on the film’s deliciously unpolished aesthetic. The movie’s wardrobe perfectly captured that mid-90s intersection of athletic wear and everyday fashion that we’re still trying to recreate today.
Fast-forward to 2025, and Sandler’s hockey-player-turned-golfer is making his triumphant return to Netflix on July 25th. But this isn’t just any comeback story—it’s a father doing whatever it takes to fund his daughter’s ballet dreams. And if that doesn’t scream high-fashion drama, I don’t know what does. The juxtaposition of rough-around-the-edges Happy navigating the refined world of ballet is pure visual poetry waiting to happen.
What has me absolutely buzzing with anticipation is the guest list. We’re talking about a who’s who of contemporary golf royalty: John Daly, Paige Spiranac, Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, Justin Thomas, and Will Zalatoris. Each of these athletes brings their own distinct style philosophy to the table, and I’m absolutely living for the fashion clash that’s about to unfold.
Julie Bowen returns, and honey, she’s been serving sophisticated elegance consistently since the original film. Ben Stiller’s comeback promises that perfectly neurotic energy we adore, while Christopher McDonald’s return as the villainous Shooter McGavin guarantees we’ll see some seriously questionable—yet somehow compelling—country club couture.
The real fashion story here isn’t just about what these characters will wear, but how they’ll influence what we want to wear. The original film single-handedly made hockey jerseys acceptable golf attire (a trend that absolutely should not have worked but somehow did). This sequel arrives at a time when golf fashion is experiencing its most exciting moment in decades, with luxury brands finally understanding that athletic wear can be both functional and fabulous.
What intrigues me most is how this film will address the evolution of both Happy’s character and contemporary men’s fashion. We’re living in an era where vulnerability in masculinity is celebrated, where a man’s devotion to his daughter’s dreams is the ultimate flex. This emotional maturity, combined with today’s more inclusive approach to athletic fashion, sets the stage for some genuinely groundbreaking style moments.
Mark my words: “Happy Gilmore 2” isn’t just going to be this summer’s comedy hit—it’s going to be a fashion moment that influences how we think about sports luxe, father-daughter dynamics, and the beautiful chaos that happens when high and low culture collide on the perfectly manicured green.
