Contributor: Happy Gilmore, icon of conservative family values

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Every golfer from my generation who enjoys the sport on a casual basis shares two traits: Firstly, we all admired Tiger Woods while growing up, and secondly, we are well-acquainted with the 1996 Adam Sandler film “Happy Gilmore.” Haven’t we all, when facing a putt, found ourselves whispering “just tap it in — give it a little tap, a tap-tap-taparoo”? And haven’t we all, before taking a challenging shot, visualized an escape to our personal “happy place” at least once? Lastly, can’t we all relate to spending countless hours at the local driving range, striving to perfect the unique running golf swing of Happy Gilmore himself?

For many of us who found golf, once referred to by sports journalist John Feinstein as “a pleasant stroll ruined,” Sandler’s character provided endless laughs and motivation. Much like my peers, I eagerly awaited the release of “Happy Gilmore 2” on Netflix on July 25. This long-awaited sequel, spanning 29 years, may not have matched the original’s iconic dialogues or lasting impact (only a handful of film sequels, like “The Godfather Part II” or “The Empire Strikes Back,” can claim that). However, “Happy Gilmore 2” managed to exceed expectations: It was occasionally absurd, but it remained an enjoyable rollercoaster ride, filled with nostalgic moments and appearances by professional golfers.

Yet, these films offer much more than mere amusement. It’s essential not to underestimate them as simple sources of laughter. In reality, Adam Sandler, who is known for his private and low-key lifestyle that keeps him away from the spotlight in Hollywood, has a deeper message for his numerous fans through these movies: Prioritizing family should always be the top priority.

As a die-hard hockey lover, I found myself in an unexpected predicament – a pro hockey career was beyond my reach due to my mediocre skating abilities. However, fate had another plan for me: to swing a golf club instead. The reason? To save my cherished grandmother’s home from the cold hands of foreclosure and bring her back from a hostile nursing facility. Every swing, every putt, was a testament to my resolve, a painful endurance of what I derisively called “golf nonsense.” Yet, it wasn’t about the game for me – it was all for Grandma.

In the following story, Happy, who is no longer a golfer but older and a father of five, finds himself battling an alcohol problem after retirement. As a single parent, he’s having trouble making ends meet while caring for his daughter Vienna. At the start of the movie, Vienna’s ballet instructor suggests enrolling her in a prestigious four-year ballet school in Paris, which costs $75,000 per year. Reminded of his own dream of playing hockey, Happy sees parallels between Vienna’s ballet ambition and his own past aspirations. With the support of John Daly (one of several real-life professional golfers appearing in the film), Happy decides to pick up his golf clubs again. The movie ends on a positive note for Happy’s family without revealing too many details about the specific resolution.

Clearly, this is not just about golf and laughs.

Previously registered Republican Sandler emphasizes a traditional conservative viewpoint: A fulfilling life is not self-centered but selfless, prioritizing the needs of others over one’s own. The “others” commonly include loved ones such as family members and people from different age groups who share our responsibilities. In both his films, Happy golfed not for personal pleasure but to benefit others.

Contentment, previously engaged in a struggle to preserve the home constructed by his grandfather, now strives to uphold integrity for the upcoming generation. It’s our connections – with those who preceded us and those yet to come – that lend significance and direction to our lives. In “Happy Gilmore 2,” Sandler underscores this idea exceptionally through personal experiences: He features his actual spouse and their two daughters, one portraying an aspiring ballerina.

The rowdy, verbally aggressive golfer character, Happy Gilmore, may be onto a significant point. It might be beneficial for some of Adam Sandler’s fellow actors in the film industry to pay attention. They could potentially gain insights from this.

Josh Hammer’s newest publication is titled “Israel and Civilization: The Future of the Jewish Nation and the Path of the West.” This work has been jointly created with Creators Syndicate. You can find more from Josh Hammer on Twitter at @josh_hammer.

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2025-08-01 16:33