A NH Man Inspired Adam Sandler's Happy Gilmore Character

Here in New Hampshire, we love Adam Sandler because he grew up in Manchester, went to school here and still has friends all over the Granite State.

His New Hampshire roots inspired him throughout his incredible Hollywood career, including the influence a former teacher and hockey player from Adam's Manchester High School.

According to a story from Newsbreak, Adam's character, Happy Gilmore, is based on a NH buddy of Adam's, who was a good hockey player who Adam's father discovered was also a good golfer.

The article goes on to say that Adam was recently on the Seth Meyers late night talk show with Bad Bunny who is in Happy Gilmore 2.

Adam explained that the character was inspired by "his buddy" Kyle McDonough who is now a social studies Teacher at Manchester Memorial High School.

Adam's father was a very good golfer and he would take Adam out to the golf course in Bedford. Adam wasn't very good at golf, but his buddy Kyle hit the ball very well.

Kyle McDonough was a great hockey player, as was his brother Hubie McDonough.

Adam went on to ask his college roommate, "wouldn't it be funny to make a movie about a golfer with a hockey mentality?" And hence, Happy Gilmore was born.

Seth Meyers is also from Bedford, New Hampshire, so it was somewhat of a Late Night NH reunion.

What is your favorite Adam Sandler movie? Mine is definitely Happy Gilmore. If I had to put a second favorite, it might be "Billy Madison" but it would be a distant 2nd place. There's no beating a movie that has Bob Barker getting into a fist fight on the golf course.

Adam Sandler's Happy Gilmore 2 premiere's on Netflix on July 25, 2025.