Happy Gilmore 2 did not just bring back the slapstick charm and outrageous humor of the original. It also delivered a jaw-dropping list of cameos that had both golf fans and movie buffs buzzing. The film featured big-name entertainers like Eminem, Bad Bunny, Eric Andre, Margaret Qualley, Steve Buscemi, and Rob Schneider. However, the real treat for golf lovers was the star-studded lineup of professional golfers spanning more than five decades of PGA and LPGA history.
The mix of past legends and current stars made for some unforgettable on-screen moments. You can imagine the behind-the-scenes banter, a little ribbing here and some bragging rights there, because when you put the world’s best golfers together, competitive instincts never take a day off.
To break it down properly, here is a ranking of the top golfing talent in Happy Gilmore 2, split between the game’s legends and the modern stars who are carving out their own place in history.
The Legends
The inclusion of these golf legends may not put Happy Gilmore 2 in contention for one of the best golf films of all time, but it’s still wildly impressive. Here’s what to know about each of them.
6. Corey Pavin
The man who proved you do not need sheer power to dominate the PGA Tour, Corey Pavin built his career on precision and short-game mastery. Turning pro in 1982, he notched 15 PGA Tour wins, including the 1995 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills. Known for his grit, accuracy, and fearless approach, Pavin reached as high as No. 2 in the world and remained a consistent contender through the 1990s.
5. Lee Trevino
From humble beginnings as a Dallas caddie to six major championships, Trevino’s rise is the stuff of golf legend. Famous for his low, controlled fade and rapid-fire wit, Trevino won 29 PGA Tour titles, including an incredible three-week stretch in 1971 where he claimed the U.S. Open, Canadian Open, and Open Championship. His charisma and shot-making flair made him a fan favorite worldwide.
4. Fred Couples
Known as “Boom Boom” for his effortless power, Fred Couples became one of golf’s smoothest swingers. His 1992 Masters win, highlighted by a clutch up-and-down at Augusta’s 12th hole, remains iconic. Despite chronic back issues, Couples stayed a crowd favorite thanks to his silky tempo and calm demeanor.
3. Sir Nick Faldo
The Englishman rebuilt his swing in the 1980s and became a precision machine, winning six majors and spending 97 weeks as world No. 1. Faldo’s most famous triumph came at the 1996 Masters, where he overturned Greg Norman’s six-shot lead in the final round. His methodical, disciplined style defined an era.
2. Nancy Lopez
A true trailblazer for women’s golf, Nancy Lopez’s rookie season in 1978 was historic with nine LPGA wins, including five straight. She captured 48 career victories, three of them majors, and brought unmatched charisma to the sport, drawing record crowds and expanding the LPGA’s audience. She also has her own line of apparel.
1. Jack Nicklaus
The Golden Bear needs no introduction. With 18 majors and 73 PGA Tour wins, Nicklaus’s career set the standard for greatness. From his first U.S. Open title in 1962 to his miracle Masters win in 1986 at age 46, his career spanned decades of dominance. Add in his course design legacy and philanthropy, and Nicklaus is more than just a golfer. He is an institution.
| Rank | Golfer | Era Category | Key Achievements / Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jack Nicklaus | All-Time Legend | 18 majors, 73 PGA Tour wins, 5-time PGA Tour Player of the Year, iconic 1986 Masters win |
| 2 | Nancy Lopez | All-Time Legend | 48 LPGA wins, 3 majors, historic 1978 rookie season, record galleries |
| 3 | Sir Nick Faldo | All-Time Legend | 6 majors, 97 weeks world No. 1, 1996 Masters comeback over Greg Norman |
| 4 | Fred Couples | All-Time Legend | 1992 Masters winner, 15 PGA Tour wins, 2 Players Championships |
| 5 | Lee Trevino | All-Time Legend | 6 majors, 29 PGA Tour wins, 1971 triple crown (U.S., Canadian, and Open) |
| 6 | Corey Pavin | All-Time Legend | 15 PGA Tour wins, 1995 U.S. Open champion, precision wedge play |
The Modern Stars
The all-time legends aren’t the only ones worth mentioning. Some of the modern stars already appear in golf movies on Netflix. Here’s who appeared in Happy Gilmore 2.
14. Will Zalatoris
The wiry ball-striker broke out with top finishes in multiple majors before earning his first PGA Tour win at the 2022 FedEx St. Jude Championship. After back surgery sidelined him in 2023, Zalatoris returned in 2024 looking sharp and now he is adding acting chops to his resume.
13. Rickie Fowler
Known for his bold fashion and even bolder shot-making, Fowler’s comeback win at the 2023 Rocket Mortgage Classic was a feel-good moment after a career slump. His orange Sundays remain a fan favorite.
12. Bubba Watson
Self-taught and endlessly creative, Bubba’s two Masters titles prove his genius under pressure. His hooked wedge from the Augusta trees in 2012 remains one of golf’s great shots, even if his movie role was brief. He also has a book that’s worth checking out. It’s called, Up & Down.
11. Keegan Bradley
One of the rare rookies to win a major, Bradley’s fiery Ryder Cup performances have cemented his competitive reputation. His recent hot streak includes wins at the 2024 BMW Championship and 2025 Travelers.
10. Xander Schauffele
Known for cool composure and consistent ball-striking, Schauffele’s first major came at the 2024 PGA Championship. He is also an Olympic gold medalist from Tokyo 2020.
9. Collin Morikawa
With two majors in his first appearances, the 2020 PGA and 2021 Open, Morikawa’s precision iron play is already legendary. His 2024 season showed he is still among the game’s elite.
8. Jordan Spieth
From prodigy to Masters and U.S. Open champion in the same year (2015), Spieth’s career has seen dizzying highs and a few slumps. He remains one of the game’s most captivating players, and his net worth from career earnings is still growing.
7. John Daly
Long drives and a loud personality. Daly’s shock win at the 1991 PGA as a ninth alternate made him an instant folk hero. His fan appeal is as enduring as his “grip it and rip it” style.
6. Justin Thomas
Fifteen PGA Tour wins, two-time PGA Tour Player of the Year, and a Ryder Cup stalwart. Thomas brings fire to both his game and his screen appearances.
5. Bryson DeChambeau
Golf’s “Mad Scientist,” DeChambeau has redefined power hitting while backing it up with major wins, including the 2020 and 2024 U.S. Opens. His YouTube presence shows he is just as comfortable off the course.
4. Brooks Koepka
Five majors in six years. Koepka thrives under pressure, and his return to form in the 2023 PGA Championship reminded everyone he is still a big-game hunter.
3. Nelly Korda
A dominant force on the LPGA Tour, Korda’s 2024 run of five straight wins, including a major, cemented her as one of the sport’s most unstoppable players.
2. Scottie Scheffler
The current world No. 1, Scheffler’s win streaks and historic Masters defenses have put him in the conversation as one of the best of his generation.
1. Rory McIlroy
Longevity, consistency, and major victories across all four majors make McIlroy’s résumé unmatched among today’s stars. His Ryder Cup heroics and global success put him at the top of this list.
| Rank | Golfer | Era Category | Key Achievements / Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rory McIlroy | Modern Star | 5 majors, career Grand Slam, 3 FedEx Cups, Ryder Cup stalwart |
| 2 | Scottie Scheffler | Modern Star | 2022 Masters, multiple PGA Tour wins, 2025 PGA & Open Champion |
| 3 | Nelly Korda | Modern Star | 14 LPGA wins, 2 majors, Olympic gold medalist, 5 straight wins in 2024 |
| 4 | Brooks Koepka | Modern Star | 5 majors, 2017–2019 dominance, 2023 PGA Champion |
| 5 | Bryson DeChambeau | Modern Star | 2020 & 2024 U.S. Opens, LIV Golf star, longest hitter reputation |
| 6 | Justin Thomas | Modern Star | 15 PGA Tour wins, 2-time PGA Tour Player of the Year, Ryder Cup leader |
| 7 | John Daly | Modern Star | 2 majors, first player to average 300+ yards, fan-favorite personality |
| 8 | Jordan Spieth | Modern Star | 3 majors, youngest PGA Tour winner in 82 years, 2015 FedEx Cup |
| 9 | Collin Morikawa | Modern Star | 2 majors in debut appearances, precision iron play |
| 10 | Xander Schauffele | Modern Star | 2024 PGA Champion, Olympic gold medalist |
| 11 | Keegan Bradley | Modern Star | 2011 PGA Champion, multiple Ryder Cups, recent PGA Tour wins |
| 12 | Bubba Watson | Modern Star | 2-time Masters champion, creative shot-maker |
| 13 | Rickie Fowler | Modern Star | 6 PGA Tour wins, 2023 Rocket Mortgage comeback |
| 14 | Will Zalatoris | Modern Star | 2021 Masters runner-up, 2022 FedEx St. Jude Champion |
More Than Just a Sports Movie Cameo
Happy Gilmore 2 did not simply throw golfers into random background scenes. The cameos felt like a celebration of the sport itself. From legends who shaped the game to stars who are still writing their stories, it was a love letter to golf’s past, present, and future. If Happy Gilmore 3 ever happens, this crew will be tough to beat.
As always, you can find all the best golf tips and guides at Golfspan.
Clint is PGA-certified and was a Head Teaching Professional at one of Toronto's busiest golf academies. He was also featured on Canada's National Golf TV program, "Score Golf Canada," twice. He graduated with a degree in Golf Management from the College of the Desert in California and studied under Callaway's co-founder, Tony Manzoni. He has a handicap index of 6.2 and spends the winters near Oaxaca, Mexico, where he plays twice a month at the Club de Golf Vista Hermosa. He's written over 100 articles at GolfSpan since 2021. You can connect with Clint at LinkedIn, FB, his website, or Clintcpga@gmail.com.
