Happy Gilmore signs for Ball State after winning long drive like Hollywood film
A teenage golf star who goes by the name of Landon 'Happy' Gilmore has signed a college deal with Ball State University, and had the blessing of the iconic fictional character's actor Adam Sandler.
Sandler played the fictional golf star in the 1996 movie 'Happy Gilmore', and now the Hollywood story is being brought to life by 18-year-old Landon. Thanks to his surname and impressive golf talents, Landon goes by the name Happy after Sandler's famous character.
On Wednesday the teenager officially confirmed he had completed his deal with Ball State, uploading a group of photos to X (formerly Twitter) of him signing on the dotted line to become a Cardinal.
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The update came after he had announced in June that he had committed to play college golf with the Indiana University. Speaking in the summer, he tweeted: "I am very excited to announce that I have committed to continue my academic and golf career at Ball State University.
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"I am very grateful for the opportunity Coach Fleck has given me! I would like to thank my family, my friends and coaches who push me everyday!" Unsurprisingly Gilmore caught the eye of many thanks to his name, including that of Hollywood star Sandler.
Sending his best to his character's namesake back in June, Sandler tweeted: "Go get em Happy. Pulling for you." Clearly pleased with his reply from the Golden Globe-nominated actor and the original Happy, quickly replying: ""My life is complete."
Revealing what it was like to receive a the backing of Sandler on social media, the college golf star then told Golf Channel: "When I saw that Adam Sandler retweeted my tweet, my little heart kind of fell apart there. I was speechless and didn't really know what to do with myself for a minute."
As well as the support of Sandler, Landon's mum Kimberley Ellett took to social media last weekend, to pay tribute to her son's efforts to break onto the college golf scene. "Hard to believe that in 3 days @happygilmore_44 will be signing his NLI to play college golf proud mom," she wrote on X.
Of course Sandler's 1996 character was known for his remarkable distance off the tee, and this is even a skill taken on by Ball State youngster, Landon. The teen first adopted the nickname as a nine-year-old, where he too showed off his driving skills, winning a long-drive contest at the Pepsi Little People’s Tournament in Illinois.
In his interview with Golf Channel earlier this year, Landon revealed that he has embraced the nickname and comparisons, admitting Sandler's character had inspired him throughout his journey as a golfer. "Not at all,” Gilmore responded after being asked if he was bored of the nickname.
"It’d be hard for me to sit here and say it hasn’t [inspired me]. It’s definitely helped me publicity-wise.” The Ball State golfer attempted to qualify for the U.S. Open in both 2022 and 2023, falling short on both occasions. Earlier this summer, Gilmore shot a round of 88 in local qualifying to end his chances of making this year's event.
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