Happy Gilmore isn’t your typical golfer. He’s a hockey player, first and foremost, with a temper as explosive as his slap shot. When his grandmother’s house is threatened with foreclosure, Happy finds himself in a desperate situation, leading him to reluctantly enter the world of professional golf.
His initial attempts are disastrous, marked by wild swings, flying clubs, and a general disregard for golf etiquette. However, Happy possesses one extraordinary gift: an incredibly powerful and unorthodox drive. He can hit the ball further than anyone else on the tour, an ability that quickly attracts attention, both positive and negative.
Enter Shooter McGavin, the epitome of the country club golfer, a smug, self-proclaimed champion who sees Happy as a threat to his carefully cultivated image and dominance. Shooter becomes Happy’s primary antagonist, employing underhanded tactics and psychological warfare to try and sabotage his career. Their rivalry fuels the film’s humor and provides the central conflict that Happy must overcome.
Throughout his improbable golfing journey, Happy is mentored by Chubbs Peterson, a former golf pro whose career was tragically cut short by an alligator attack. Chubbs sees potential in Happy’s raw talent, guiding him in mastering the mental and technical aspects of the game while trying to control his volcanic temper. Their relationship becomes a heartwarming aspect of the film, with Chubbs providing much-needed wisdom and support to the impulsive Happy.
Happy’s success on the tour is a rollercoaster ride. He wins tournaments, gains fans (and detractors), and finds himself dealing with the pressures of fame and fortune. He also finds romance with Virginia Venit, a public relations director who is initially tasked with managing Happy’s unruly image, but who eventually falls for his genuine, albeit flawed, personality.
The film culminates in a dramatic showdown between Happy and Shooter at the Tour Championship. Shooter resorts to increasingly devious tactics, testing Happy’s resolve and pushing him to his breaking point. Happy, inspired by Chubbs and driven by his desire to save his grandmother’s house, manages to channel his anger and focus his talent.
Ultimately, Happy triumphs, defeating Shooter and winning the tournament. More importantly, he saves his grandmother’s house and learns valuable lessons about discipline, sportsmanship, and the importance of controlling his temper. Happy Gilmore is a comedic underdog story that celebrates the triumph of heart and determination over conventional talent and privilege. It’s a film that resonates with audiences because it reminds us that even the most unlikely individuals can achieve their dreams with enough passion and perseverance, even if they do it with a hockey slap shot instead of a proper golf swing.