Trading in a hockey stick for golf clubs paid off. Well, sort of.
Bloomington South senior Happy Gilmore – yup, that’s his real name – has committed to play college golf at Ball State. And he never played hockey, as Adam Sandler did in the famous movie, but even Sandler would be happy to see what Gilmore has been able to accomplish.
His real first name is Landon, but he started going by “Happy” as a nickname when he was about 6 and started playing in golf tournaments. I mean, it only makes sense, right?
Gilmore has starred for the Bloomington South boys golf team since his freshman year, and now he’s going to play at the next level. He shot 66 at a U.S. Junior Amateur qualifier recently. He’s 497th in the Golfweek/Sagarin boys rankings.
I am very excited to announce that I have committed to continue my academic and golf career at Ball State University. I am very grateful for the opportunity Coach Fleck has given me! I would like to thank my family, my friends and coaches who push me everyday! @BallStateMGolf pic.twitter.com/nz36to47J2
— Happy Gilmore
(@happygilmore_44) June 23, 2023
Gilmore finished T-7 at the Indiana high school boys golf state tournament earlier this month, shooting even par over 36 holes at Prairie View Golf Club. He won his regional the week before at Country Oaks in Momtgomery.
Watch out, Shooter McGavin.
Bloomington South’s Happy Gilmore putts on the 1st green at Country Oaks Golf Course during the IHSAA regional golf meet on Thursday, June 8, 2023. (Photo: Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times)