When Adam Sandler’s “Happy Gilmore” hit cinemas in 1996, it turned golf on its head. The iconic film celebrated a loud, rebellious, and thoroughly untraditional protagonist who brought a hockey stick to the fairway and traded tailored trousers for cargo shorts. Nearly 30 years later, the sequel—”Happy Gilmore 2,” due to drop on Netflix on July 25, 2025—returns not only with its unforgettable characters but also with a fresh take on the sport’s evolving aesthetic.
As much a cultural phenomenon as a golf flick, the Happy Gilmore franchise offers a unique lens on the shifting landscape of golf fashion. This time, the sequel is shaping up to reflect how the game—and how we dress for it—has changed. In the age of streetwear-infused clubwear, modern performance tech, and social media-savvy style influencers, golf fashion is now anything but stale.
Here’s how “Happy Gilmore 2” is poised to influence modern golf style—and how retailers like Function18 are ahead of the curve in helping golfers everywhere dress the part.
Golf Fashion: Then vs. Now
Let’s start with the contrast. Happy Gilmore burst onto the golf scene in flannel shirts, baggy jeans, and battered sneakers in the original film. He was a walking, talking middle finger to the starched-collar traditions of the sport. And while the comedy made light of Happy’s style, it was also oddly prophetic.
Fast-forward to 2025, and golf fashion is no longer confined to beige chinos and pastel polos. Today’s golfers pair tailored joggers with tech-infused polos and rock hoodies on Tour and prefer trainers over traditional spikes. Even major tournaments have begun relaxing dress codes, with players like Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, and Collin Morikawa leading the charge in embracing modern styles.
Now, with cameos in the new film from real-life golf icons like McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, Bryson DeChambeau, and Paige Spiranac, “Happy Gilmore 2” is expected to reflect this cultural shift with style choices that are both humorous and surprisingly current.
A Fusion of Comedy and Couture
The early trailer teases a mix of vintage nods—yes, Happy’s battered Boston Bruins jersey is back—with modern fits and clean-cut lines. You’ll also see stars like Spiranac and McIlroy dressed in gear that mirrors their real-world apparel partnerships. For example, McIlroy’s Nike Golf connection will likely be front and centre, showcasing classic minimalist polos and breathable stretch trousers.
If you want to channel that same look, Function18 carries an extensive Nike Golf collection, including the Nike Dri-FIT Victory Polo, Flex Trousers, and Air Max 1 Golf Shoes—each combining performance and polish.
From Tour to Tee Time: What Modern Golf Style Looks Like
The fashion evolution in “Happy Gilmore 2” mirrors the broader movement within the game. Here’s a breakdown of today’s key golf wear trends and how to shop them via Function18:
- Bold Prints and Statement Colours
Where muted hues once reigned, modern golfers are embracing eye-catching designs. Brands like Puma and G/FORE offer graphic polos, two-tone jackets, and colour-block trousers that look just as good in the clubhouse as on the back nine. These pieces help players express personality while maintaining functionality.
- Streetwear-Infused Course Gear
Think hoodies, zip-up vests, and even golf joggers. Once controversial, these relaxed staples are now firmly embedded in the sport. Function18 stocks standout options from Adidas, Under Armour, and Castore, perfect for those who want athletic comfort without sacrificing a clean silhouette.
- Performance-First Footwear
Shoes now do much more than grip the turf. Innovations in cushioning, waterproofing, and breathability mean you can stay fresh for 18 holes and still wear them to lunch afterwards. Look to the Adidas ZG23 or the Nike Air Zoom Infinity Tour for tour-level comfort with streetwear appeal.
What Would Happy Wear Today?
If we had to reimagine Happy Gilmore’s signature look in 2025, here’s what he might pull from Function18’s shelves:
- Top: A bold, oversized print polo from Puma Golf, matched with a lightweight windbreaker in tartan or camo to nod to his classic flannel roots.
- Bottoms: Stretch-fit golf joggers or slim-fit cargo trousers from Castore, designed for comfort but with a tailored edge.
- Shoes: He’s probably swapping those beat-up sneakers for a pair of spikeless Adidas CODECHAOS—maximum grip, minimum fuss.
- Accessories: A throwback rope hat from G/FORE, because retro is in and a subtle wink to his original rough-around-the-edges aesthetic.
Pop Culture Meets Performance
Its timely arrival makes “Happy Gilmore 2” more than a nostalgic sequel. The film’s fusion of comedy, sport, and style occurs during a pivotal moment for golf. As more younger players and casual fans take up the game, fashion becomes a bridge—a way to express identity while embracing tradition.
And in 2025, your golf outfit is no longer just about etiquette. It’s about performance. It’s about comfort. It’s about confidence. And yes—it’s about looking suitable for your highlight reel on Instagram.
Final Thoughts
As Happy Gilmore tees it up again, the sport he once disrupted is now catching up to him. The rebellious wardrobe that once got him kicked off the course is now embraced on Tour. And whether you’re chasing your first birdie or hoping to survive the front nine without losing a sleeve of balls, your style can now be as memorable as your swing.
With Function18 offering curated collections from the biggest brands in modern golfer, there’s never been a better time to reinvent your look—and maybe, just maybe, tap into a little Happy Gilmore swagger of your own.
Explore the full range of golf apparel and accessories at Function18.com and gear up for your movie moment on the course.
