Happy Gilmore 2 features an extensive lineup of real-life golfers, including several prominent names, yet it also omits some major figures that fans and even Adam Sandler himself hoped to see. Released in 2025, this sequel to the cult classic blends humor with a star-studded cast, and the cameo appearances of well-known athletes add a lively touch that echoes the original film’s charm. Despite this, certain top-ranked golfers were notably absent, leaving a gap in the film’s impressive golfing roster.
Notable Golfers Missing from the Sequel’s Cameo Roster
The influx of genuine PGA Tour players in Happy Gilmore 2 gave the movie a sense of authenticity, but some key athletes at the peak of the sport were absent during filming, which took place in late 2024. These missing players ranged from rising stars to household names, and their exclusion raises questions about scheduling conflicts, narrative focus, or availability. Among those missing were some of the highest-ranked players in the world who could have brought additional star power and resonated with the film’s largely American audience.
Sepp Straka: The World’s Number 10 Absent from the Film
Sepp Straka, who held the 10th spot in the PGA world rankings coming into the film’s production, was a surprising absence. Straka recently captured significant attention by winning the 2025 Truist Championship, where he outplayed Justin Thomas, who did appear in Happy Gilmore 2. Given his recent major victory and solid ranking, Straka seemed like a prime candidate for a cameo, but he ultimately did not take part in the film’s extensive cast of golfers.
J.J. Spaun: The American Top 9 Golfer Not in the Cameo Lineup
Ranked ninth globally and one of the top American golfers, J.J. Spaun was another notable omission. Spaun’s prominence grew after winning the 2025 U.S. Open, defeating several players who did appear in the movie. His absence likely stemmed from scheduling challenges, as filming overlapped with a demanding golf season full of major tournaments. Spaun’s participation would have aligned well with the film’s emphasis on appealing to U.S. audiences by featuring well-known domestic players.
Harris English’s Exclusion Despite Strong 2025 Performances
Harris English, ranked eighth in the world, demonstrated serious form in 2025, finishing second at The Open Championship and tying for second at the PGA Championship. As a consistent top contender and American golfer, English’s absence from Happy Gilmore 2 is notable. The film, though packed with cameos, was criticized by some for an overcrowded storyline, making it likely that producers opted against including more golfers to avoid overwhelming the plot with additional characters.
Happy Gilmore helps the sport avoid unnecessary change with the support of many real golfers, but the crowded cast may have limited further additions like English.
Russell Henley: The Highest-Ranked Missing Golfer in Top Five
Of the top seven golfers worldwide, Russell Henley, ranked fifth, stands out as the only one who did not appear in Happy Gilmore 2. Henley, who secured the Arnold Palmer Invitational title in March 2025, was unexpectedly not part of the film, while many of the top four players, including Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy, participated. Henley’s absence suggests similar scheduling or availability issues as with other missing players.
Phil Mickelson: The Legendary Golfer Not Included in the Cast
Phil Mickelson’s name commands respect across the golfing world due to his long career and numerous victories, including a major PGA Championship win in 2021 at age 50. Known for his longevity and steady presence among the top-ranked golfers for decades, Mickelson’s exclusion from Happy Gilmore 2 came as a surprise. Despite his legendary status and a more flexible playing schedule in 2024, Mickelson did not appear in the film, missing an opportunity to be part of a golf-themed comedy celebrating the sport’s culture.
Tiger Woods: Adam Sandler’s Dream Cameo That Didn’t Happen
Tiger Woods remains one of the most renowned golfers in history, holding records for the highest number of PGA Tour wins and longest periods as world number one. Woods’s legacy is unparalleled in golf, and his presence would have added significant gravitas to the sequel. Adam Sandler openly expressed his desire to include Woods during a 2024 interview on the Dan Patrick Show, saying,
“I would love it. We’ll see. I’m gonna write all my dreams and then you never know what’s gonna happen.”
—Adam Sandler, Actor
Unfortunately, Woods did not appear in the movie, likely due to a combination of scheduling conflicts and his limited recent play because of injuries. Still, Happy Gilmore 2 references Woods multiple times, highlighting Sandler’s admiration for him. For instance, the film mentions a golf video game similar to Woods’s, and during the U.S. Bank Tour Championship scene, statues of previous champions include Tiger Woods alongside Happy Gilmore himself. Additionally, in an emotional moment, Shooter McGavin acknowledges Tiger Woods as one of the top golfers of the 1990s alongside Happy, subtly affirming Woods’s impact on the sport within the film’s universe.
The absence of Tiger Woods and other top golfers did not diminish Happy Gilmore 2’s efforts to connect with real golf culture, but their inclusion could have elevated the movie’s appeal among both golf fans and mainstream audiences.
The Importance of Golfers’ Cameos in Happy Gilmore 2’s Narrative and Appeal
Happy Gilmore 2’s mixture of real athletes and fictional characters enhances the comedy’s authenticity and enriches its world-building. Featuring golfers ranked among the top in the world lends credibility and draws golf enthusiasts while adding fresh comedic moments rooted in actual personalities. The inclusion of players like Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Justin Thomas helped bridge the gap between the sport and the film’s humor.
However, with numerous cameos already packed into the movie, the absence of several elite golfers underscores a balancing act between casting real athletes and maintaining a coherent story. The presence of too many characters risked cluttering the film’s narrative, which already juggled multiple subplots and an abundance of guest stars.
What These Omissions Suggest for Future Golf and Comedy Collaborations
Adam Sandler’s expressed wish to include Tiger Woods and the absence of other top players hint at potential challenges in uniting leading athletes from a demanding sport with the timing and thematic needs of a comedy sequel. Filming during an intense golf season and players’ active competitive schedules made coordination difficult, and injuries like those faced by Woods may have further complicated matters.
Looking ahead, future collaborations between Hollywood comedies and professional golfers might strive for greater synchronization to accommodate these athletes’ commitments. Sandler’s passion for golf and respect for its stars is clear, suggesting further efforts to integrate prominent golfers into cinema projects that celebrate the sport. For fans of Happy Gilmore and golf, the lure of such cameos remains strong, promising more exciting possibilities in coming years.
