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Five Reasons Why Caddyshack is Better than Happy Gilmore

Author Jim O'Brien
Chevy Chase in a scene from the film 'Caddyshack', 1980. (Photo by Orion Pictures/Getty Images)


Caddyshack or Happy Gilmore – Which Movie Is Better?

Since we’re giving away a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Florida to play golf for Father’s Day (thank you, Visit Florida), and the news that we’re getting Happy Gilmore 2 on Netflix…I figured it was time to settle this once and for all: Caddyshack or Happy Gilmore – Which Movie is Better? (this is a constant debate in the studio with Ryan)

Caddyshack is Better than Happy Gilmore 

First off, “Caddyshack” is a classic, my friend. It’s got more laughs than you can shake a putter at, and it’s been making audiences bust a gut for decades. Meanwhile, “Happy Gilmore” might give you a chuckle or two, but let’s be real: it’s like the mini-golf of comedy compared to the PGA Tour called “Caddyshack.”

Does it get any better?

Secondly, let’s talk about the cast. “Caddyshack” has comedy legends like Chevy Chase, Bill Murray, and Rodney Dangerfield. They’re like the dream team of comedy, hitting jokes out of the park left and right. Meanwhile, “Happy Gilmore” has… Adam Sandler. Need I say more?

Caddyshack or Happy Gilmore
Universal Studios

Oh, and let’s not forget the quotable lines, buddy. “Caddyshack” is chock-full of ’em. It’s like a buffet of comedy gold (tears in his eyes…Cinderella story…so many). Meanwhile, “Happy Gilmore” has… well, it’s got “The price is wrong, Bob.” And that’s about it. It’s not exactly Oscar-worthy material if you catch my drift.

But hey, Ryan, I gotta hand it to you, “Happy Gilmore” does have one thing going for it: it’s got heart. I mean, who wouldn’t root for a guy who’s trying to save his grandma’s house? But guess what? “Caddyshack” has got heart too! Danny Noonan is trying to earn a scholarship, and Carl Spackler is fighting off that pesky gopher. It’s like a warm hug from your favorite caddy.

Caddyshack or Happy Gilmore – The Final Reason

Finally, let’s talk about legacy. “Caddyshack” is a timeless classic, a movie that’ll be making people laugh long after we’re all hitting the back nine. Meanwhile, “Happy Gilmore”… well, let’s say it’s more of a one-hit wonder. So, Ryan Logan, the choice is yours: settle for par with “Happy Gilmore” or swing for the comedic fences with “Caddyshack.” It’s your call, buddy.

Jim O'Brien is the Host of "Big Jim's House" Morning Show at 94.7 WCSX in Detroit. Jim spent eight years in the U.S. Naval Submarine Service, has appeared on Shark Tank (Man Medals Season 5 Ep. 2), raised over two million dollars for local charities and is responsible for Glenn Frey Drive and Bob Seger Blvd in the Motor City. Jim's relationship with Classic Rock includes considering Bob Seger, Phil Collen from Def Leppard, Wally Palmer of the Romantics and many others good friends. Jim writes about ‘80s movies, cars, weird food trends and “as seen on TikTok” content.

'Happy Gilmore': 7 Most-Quotable Lines

Happy Gilmore was released on February 16, 1996.

Per Box Office Mojo, Happy Gilmore grossed $41 million worldwide with a budget of $12 million. However, the film has continued to grow in popularity since its release, especially in the golf community. This seemingly has led to a sequel now being in the works at Netflix.

As previously reported, Happy Gilmore 2 was announced by Netflix during an Upfront presentation on May 15. Adam Sandler will reprise the role of Happy Gilmore, but little else is known about the film.

The Hollywood Reporter notes the sequel is part of Sandler’s current development deal with Netflix that’s worth $250 million. So far, the deal has yielded eight different titles, including his 2018 stand-up special 100% Fresh and the 2023 teen comedy You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah, where he starred alongside his wife, Jackie, and his two daughters, Sadie and Sunny.

While Sandler is confirmed for Happy Gilmore 2, there will be some previous cast members who will sadly not be part of the sequel. In 2024, there have been two notable deaths from the Happy Gilmore cast. The first came in February when Carl Weathers, who played golf pro Chubbs, died at age 76.

Sandler shared in tribute, “A true great man. Great dad. Great actor. Great athlete. So much fun to be around always. Smart as hell. Loyal as hell. Funny as hell. Loved his sons more than anything. What a guy!! Everyone loved him. My wife and I had the best times with him every time we saw him. Love to his entire family and Carl will always be known as a true legend.”

The second came in April, when SCTV alum Joe Flaherty died at age 82. Flaherty was billed as “Jeering Fan,” who heckled Gilmore by notably calling him “jackass.”

Sandler wrote, “Oh man. Worshipped Joe growing up. Always had me and my brother laughing. Count Floyd, Guy Caballero. Any move he made. He crushed as border guard in Stripes. Couldn’t be more fun to have him heckle me on the golf course.”

He concluded, “The nicest guy you could know. Genius of a comedian. And a true sweetheart. Perfect combo. Much love to his kids, and thanks to Joe for all the greatness he gave us all.”

With the heckle of “jackass” likely now ringing in your head, we thought we would celebrate some other iconic lines from the comedy. In honor of the new sequel, here are seven of the most-quotable lines from Happy Gilmore.

  • "Why don’t I go eat some hay? I can make things out of clay, or lay by the bay. I just may. Whaddya say?"

    Sandler’s comedy is oftentimes just silly. Frankly, the world could use a bit more “silly” these days. So, when Happy responds to Shooter’s accidental rhyme with this line, you can’t help but laugh. It’s just so absurd!

  • "You could trouble me for a warm glass of shut the hell up!" 

    Fun fact: Ben Stiller’s performance as a terrifying nursing home orderly is actually uncredited. While he’s an absolute jerk, the “warm glass” line always hits, even when you know it’s coming. Plus, he gets his comeuppance eventually. It’s yet another reminder that karma is real.

  • "It's all in the hips."

    If you’ve been playing a round of golf or have been at a driving range and didn’t say or think at one point “It’s all in the hips,” you’re not living life right. On the surface, that sounds harsh. However, Chubbs was right. It really does ease the tension.

  • "Just tap it in."

    Similar to “It’s all in the hips,” it’s just very difficult to be on the green or playing mini-gold and not think of “Just tap it in.” (Man, was Chubbs an outstanding golf pro, or what?!) Of course, Happy’s anger is instantly relatable when he misses his putt in this clip. For real, golf is super challenging. Why is it so popular?

  • "What? Friends listen to ‘Endless Love’ in the dark."

    Most of us have been in this situation when you want to take a friendship to the next level. Of course, not all of us have access to an ice rink and a Zamboni driver willing to give us random skating time. Side note: “Endless Love” still holds up. Lionel Richie and Diana Ross complimented each other so well.

  • “I eat pieces of s--- like you for breakfast!” “You eat pieces of s--- for breakfast?”

    Christopher McDonald doesn’t get enough credit for his portrayal of Shooter McGavin. The character was a perfect villain! He’s so much fun to hate. No one else could’ve played Shooter like this.

  • "The price is wrong, b---!"

    Few fight scenes are quite as iconic as Bob Barker vs. Happy Gilmore. In fact, it won “Best Fight” at the 1996 MTV Movie Awards. Let’s face it: There’s just something about the beloved host of The Price is Right just cleaning Happy’s clock. Decades later, it’s still hilarious.

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