Rory McIlroy has landed a starring role in a blockbuster movie.
The Irish professional golfer is set to make his film debut in Adam Sandler’s much-anticipated sequel Happy Gilmore 2.
The film is a follow-up to the original movie, released in 1996, which told the story of Happy Gilmore (played by Adam Sandler) squaring off with Shooter McGavin (played by Christopher McDonald).
The sequel is set for release on Netflix later this year, and features a star-studded cast.
Alongside the returning Carl Weathers, Julie Bowen, and Lee Trevino, who all appeared in the first film, the cast will also include Kansas City Chiefs star (and boyfriend of Taylor Swift) Travis Kelce, AEW wrestler Maxwell Jacob Friedman, and singer Bad Bunny.
The movie will also feature a host of real-life golfers, including Rory, Scottie Scheffler, Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau, Justin Thomas, and Will Zalatoris.
In a behind the scenes video from the set, Rory said being in the film has been a “completely different experience” and that he can’t believe he’s a part of it.
The field for Happy Gilmore 2 is stacked. ⛳️ Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, Justin Thomas, Will Zalatoris and more. pic.twitter.com/bnHcUzXva4
— Netflix (@netflix) February 5, 2025
Rory’s venture into Hollywood comes almost one year after he did a complete 180 on plans to divorce his wife Erica Stoll.
The sports star shocked fans when he announced their split last May, after seven years of marriage.
The 35-year-old started dating Erica in 2014, months after he broke off his previous engagement to tennis star Caroline Wozniacki.
The couple tied the knot in a star-studded ceremony at Ashford Castle in 2017 and welcomed their daughter Poppy three years later.
According to the Irish Independent, the divorce papers were officially filed in Florida.
At the time, his manager Sean O’Flaherty said in a statement: “Rory McIlroy’s communications team confirmed today that a divorce has been filed. They stressed Rory’s desire to ensure this difficult time is as respectful and amicable as possible.”
The divorce filing, which described their marriage as “irretrievably broken”, requested shared custody of their daughter Poppy, and asked for a parenting plan to be established.
However, Rory’s attorney Thomas Sasser later filed a Notice of Voluntary Dismissal on his behalf.
In June, Rory addressed the speculation surrounding his relationship status in a statement to The Guardian.
“There have been rumors about my personal life recently, which is unfortunate. Responding to each rumor is a fool’s game,” the golfer said.
“Over the past weeks, Erica and I have realized that our best future was as a family together. Thankfully, we have resolved our differences and look forward to a new beginning.”
