Happy Gilmore 2is still over a month away, but Apple TV+‘sStickis the perfect show to watch while waiting for the sequel to Adam Sandler’s classic golf comedy. The originalHappy Gilmorewas one of thebest sports comedies of all time, and certainly one of the best golf movies out there, along withCaddyshack. Even after nearly 30 years,Happy Gilmoreis still popular, so it makes sense that Netflix is releasingHappy Gilmore 2on July 25. It’s a highly anticipated return to one ofAdam Sandler’s best movies, and the release date forHappy Gilmore 2can’t get here soon enough.
For many fans ofHappy Gilmore, waiting until July 25 may simply be too long. While there are a few classic golf movies - likeCaddyshackor Kevin Costner’sTin Cup- to watch in the meantime, there’s still more than a month untilHappy Gilmore 2is ready to stream. Luckily, Apple TV+’s new showStickis the perfect replacement. Starring Owen Wilson and featuring his patented brand of comedy,Stick’s Rotten Tomatoes score may be divisive, but it’s still a great golf comedy that can scratch theHappy Gilmoreitch.
Apple TV+’s Stick Is A Great Golf Comedy To Watch Before Happy Gilmore 2
Owen Wilson’s Brand Of Humor In Stick Is Perfect For Happy Gilmore Fans
Even thoughHappy Gilmore 2is more than a month away, fans of Adam Sandler’s comedy series can pass the time by watching Owen Wilson’sStick.Wilson leads thecast ofStickas Pryce Cahill, a washed-up professional golfer who goes on a road trip with Santi (Peter Dager), a teenage golf prodigy. In his fall from grace, Pryce developed some money and gambling problems, and he views Santi as his way back into the game he loves. There are plenty of jokes inStickas Pryce and Santi butt heads on their approaches to golf and their generational differences.
The mere fact thatStickandHappy Gilmoreare both golf comedies isn’t the only reason the former is such a great option to watch.Stickis essentially a version ofHappy Gilmorethat focuses on Chubbs (Carl Weathers) instead of Happy. Pryce is the seasoned veteran who can’t play anymore, while Santi has just as powerful a drive as Happy did, and just as little discipline in the other areas of the game, too. Santi is even playing for his family’s benefit, just as Happy did, as the winnings from his golf tournaments go to helping his mother, Elena (Mariana Treviño).
Stick Leans Further Into A Heartfelt Dramatic Story Than Happy Gilmore
Pryce’s Emotional Journey Is The Main Point Of Stick, While The Jokes Always Came First In Happy Gilmore
There is one key difference betweenStickandHappy Gilmore, however.Stickhas already confirmed that it’s much more interested in telling a heartfelt, emotional, and wholesome story thanHappy Gilmoreis. The trailer forHappy Gilmore 2certainly highlighted some emotional moments, such as Happy’s family and the possibility that Virginia (Julie Bowen) might be dead. Still,Happy Gilmorehas always been about its comedy and jokes first and foremost, and any emotional storytelling is going to take a backseat in the sequel. That will leave more time for raunchy and hilarious gags, which is the main allure ofHappy Gilmore.
Déjà Vu All Over Again
July 23
Stick, on the other hand, puts its comedy in the backseat. By theend ofStickepisode 3, we had already learned about Pryce’s fractured marriage and Santi’s troubles with his father.It’s clear thatStickis primarily a heartfelt story about a found family bonding over golf and their trauma, and the comedy elements of the show aren’t as important as they are inHappy Gilmore. That’s not to sayStickisn’t funny - Owen Wilson is always good for a joke to lighten the mood - but it’s not the same kind of comedy thatHappy Gilmore 2likely will be.
Stick
Cast
A disgraced golf pro seeks redemption by mentoring a troubled teen prodigy, igniting a journey of healing and second chances.
Happy Gilmore 2
Happy Gilmore 2 sees the return of Adam Sandler in his iconic role as the retired golfer who steps back onto the green to support his daughter’s passion for ballet. Released in 2025, the film explores Gilmore’s renewed journey in golf to finance her dreams.
