Tag: Ball State Golf

Happy Gilmore, the high school golfer who signed with Ball State, talks his name, NIL

Happy Gilmore talks about signing with Ball State last week to play golf.

Landon Gilmore signed to play gold with Ball State last week, and the high school standout known as ‘Happy’ couldn’t be happier for the next step in his golf career. Or for that matter, to be known as Happy Gilmore.

From Indiana, Gilmore is one of the top high school golfers in the nation. His nickname, after the famed Adam Sandler movie, seems natural given he plays the game of golf.

Now, the future college golfer is hoping to step into his own notoriety while at the same time, embracing his nickname.

In Happy Gilmore (the movie), Sandler plays a hockey player (who can’t skate very well) who transitions to playing professional golf. His charismatic (and unorthodox style) earned him many fans, especially for his long drives off the tee, but not much respect on the professional golf tour.

Thankfully, this Happy Gilmore (the person) seems far more liked. He even got the nickname organically.

“In my first ever golf tournament – the Pepsi Little People’s in Quincy, Illinois,” Gilmore told USA TODAY High School Sports.

“I competed in their long driving contest and won. Couple of the parents starting calling me ‘Happy’ and from there it stuck.”

Just think of the Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) possibilities for this golfer.

 

Scroll down and check out this interview with Happy Gilmore where he touches on signing with Ball State, his nickname and if he can ice skate.

Happy Gilmore signs with Ball State to play golf (yes, this is real)

Happy Gilmore signs with Ball State.

Happy Gilmore has officially signed to play golf with Ball State.

No, this isn’t a public relations stunt. A high school golfer and a senior from Indiana, Landon James Gilmore signed on to represent Ball State on Friday. He has held the name of ‘Happy’ since he was nine years old after he had won a driving competition.

A spectator gave him the name, obviously inspired by the film Happy Gilmore, starring Adam Sandler. The movie centers around an amateur hockey player who transitions to playing golf. His boorish behavior doesn’t inspire much camaraderie on the golf tour but fans embraced his demeanor in the movie.

As of Friday afternoon, Shooter McGavin did not return a request for comment.

 

 

Despite the obvious buzz with his name, Gilmore is one of the top-ranked players in Indiana. He was a highly sought-after recruit.

“The excitement and energy around Happy joining our program is evident,” Ball State golf coach Mike Fleck said in a statement about Gilmore’s signing with the program.

“We are not only getting an elite junior player, but we are adding a great young man to the mix. He has positioned himself as one of the best and most recognizable junior golfers in the country, and has a tournament tested resume of success both in Indiana and nationally. Ball State golf is excited to welcome Happy Gilmore to our family!”

In other unrelated news, fellow MAC program Akron has announced that Billy Madison has signed his National Letter of Intent to play dodgeball for the Zips.