“Happy Gilmore 2,” released on Netflix on July 25, 2025, marks the return of Adam Sandler’s iconic character nearly 30 years after the original film from 1996. The sequel was filmed across nine counties in New Jersey and features Julie Bowen and Christopher McDonald. It combines golf course action with authentic real-life settings.
Unlike the Vancouver-shot original, the sequel was filmed entirely in New Jersey, injecting $152 million into the local economy. Key golf courses include:
- Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club, Bedminster
- Montclair Golf Club, Verona
- Additional venues: Alpine Country Club (Demarest), Forest Hill Field Club (Bloomfield), Beacon Hill Country Club (Atlantic Highlands), Rockleigh Golf Course, Closter Golf Centre, Essex Golf Centre, and Farmview Golf Centre’s mini-golf (Hackettstown).
Non-golf filming locations include Ideal Beach in Middletown for training scenes, Pleasantdale Chateau in West Orange for a gala, and Newark Airport’s Terminal A. Popular eateries featured are Goldberg’s Famous Deli in Millburn, LOKL Cafe in Morristown, and Steve’s Burgers in Garfield. Private homes in Belleville, Irvington, Kearny, Closter, and Bedminster are also part of the filming. Director Kyle Newacheck mentioned, “The humidity was my only complaint.”
HAPPY GILMORE 2 IS NOW PLAYING pic.twitter.com/aqXlK2evfo
— Netflix (@netflix) July 25, 2025Happy Gilmore 2 Cast and Plot Highlights
Adam Sandler reprises his role as Happy Gilmore, joined by Julie Bowen as Virginia Venit and Christopher McDonald as Shooter McGavin. Sunny Sandler, Adam’s daughter, makes a cameo appearance and was spotted filming in South Orange. The plot follows Gilmore as he returns to competitive golf, facing new rivals in a nostalgic yet fresh story, according to Variety. Posts on X have been buzzing: “Happy Gilmore 2 nails the vibe!”
Adam Sandler gifts a gold jacket to Christopher McDonald on the set of Happy Gilmore 2 pic.twitter.com/iQFcin2C3x
— Netflix (@netflix) July 26, 2025A $152 million investment in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Monmouth, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, and Warren counties has significantly boosted local businesses. According to the New Jersey Motion Picture Commission, 70% of the crew hired for the project are from the local area. The sequel’s real-world locations, such as the Pleasantdale Chateau, which is associated with ‘The Sopranos’, add authenticity and appeal to both fans and tourists.
Comparison of Filming Locations
| Film | Year | Primary Location | Key Venues |
|---|---|---|---|
| Happy Gilmore | 1996 | Vancouver, Canada | Furry Creek, Swaneset Bay, Pitt Meadows |
| Happy Gilmore 2 | 2025 | New Jersey, USA | Fiddler’s Elbow, Montclair, Ideal Beach |
Data sources: NJ.com, IMDb.
“Happy Gilmore 2” has earned an impressive 82% score on Rotten Tomatoes, receiving praise for its nostalgic elements and Adam Sandler’s charm. The film is available on Netflix in over 190 countries and attracted 10 million views within its first 24 hours, according to Netflix Tudum. Set against the backdrop of New Jersey, it has inspired fans to visit, boosting local tourism. “Happy Gilmore 2” revitalises the classic with its vibrant New Jersey settings and a stellar cast. Its economic impact and streaming success solidify its cultural significance for 2025.
