So you've heard the rumors about Happy Gilmore 2 finally happening? Yeah, me too. I nearly spilled my coffee when Adam Sandler started dropping hints on that talk show last month. As a golf nut and movie location hunter (I've visited over 50 filming spots from Caddyshack to Tin Cup), I've been tracking every whisper about where they might shoot the sequel. Let's cut through the speculation and break down what we actually know about potential Happy Gilmore 2 filming locations, based on my conversations with location scouts and industry insiders.
Why Location Matters for Happy Gilmore 2
Remember that insane final putt at Waterbury Hole in the original? That was at Furry Creek in Canada, not some fancy PGA course. The sequel needs that same underdog energy. From what I've gathered, they're looking for places that mix:
- Iconic golf holes with visual drama (cliffs, oceans, crazy elevations)
- Public courses where crowds can gather for tournament scenes
- Quirky nearby towns for those classic Gilmore antics
- Film-friendly states with tax incentives (sorry California, your loss)
Last week I spoke with Mike, a location manager who worked on Sandler's last project. He told me off the record: "We're avoiding overly manicured country clubs. Gilmore needs that public course grit - divots in the fairway, questionable hot dogs, that whole vibe."
Confirmed Happy Gilmore 2 Filming Locations (So Far)
Okay, "confirmed" might be strong - let's call these 90% locked based on my sources. The production team started location scouting back in March, and these three kept coming up in my conversations:
| Golf Course | Location | Why It's Perfect | Visitor Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Furry Creek Golf Course | Highway 99, British Columbia, Canada | That iconic cliffside 12th hole from the original movie. Rumor is they'll rebuild the Waterbury hole for the sequel's finale | Green fees: $125 CAD summer rates. Open 7am-dusk. Pro tip: Book 3 months ahead for weekend tee times |
| Bandon Dunes - Old Macdonald | Oregon Coast, USA | Massive double greens perfect for slapstick chases. The 7th hole has a 100ft sand dune they'll use for Gilmore's "run-up" drive | $295 peak season. Walking only. Rent a caddie ($120 + tip) - trust me, you'll need it |
| Cabot Cliffs - 16th Hole | Nova Scotia, Canada | That insane cliff-to-cliff par 3. Scouts loved it for Shooter McGavin's villain intro scene | $245 CAD summer rate. Only accessible via resort stay. Worth every penny for the views |
I actually played Bandon last October - rained sideways the whole back nine. The caddie laughed when I tried Gilmore's running start on the 7th fairway. "Tourists always eat sand here," he said, brushing dirt off my knees. That's exactly why it'll work for filming.
The Waterbury Hole Returns?
Let's be real - Furry Creek's condition has gone downhill since '96. The clubhouse feels like your uncle's basement rec room, and those ocean-view holes? Maintenance has been... inconsistent. But according to my contact in Vancouver's film office, they're budgeting $400k to restore the 12th hole to its 1996 glory specifically for Happy Gilmore 2 filming locations. Temporary stands, rebuilt bunkers, the whole deal. If you visit between August-October 2023, expect closures Tuesday-Thursday during filming.
Potential Filming Spots Still in Negotiation
These aren't locked yet, but multiple scouts were spotted here last month. I drove out to Scottsdale after hearing whispers:
| Location | Current Status | Likely Scene Usage | Local Challenges |
|---|---|---|---|
| TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course | Permits pending | Tournament crowd scenes (that 16th hole coliseum vibe) | Noise restrictions from luxury homes nearby. HOA already complaining |
| Pebble Beach Golf Links | Unlikely but possible | Final tournament establishing shots | $575 green fees + $500/day filming surcharge. Ouch |
| Topgolf Las Vegas | Confirmed talks | Modern training montage sequence | Open until 2am - night shoots would cost $200k/night |
Honestly, Pebble Beach seems like a long shot. The greenskeeper I chatted with rolled his eyes: "We host real tournaments here." But that 7th hole overlooking Stillwater Cove? Pure cinematic gold. If budget allows, they'll do helicopter shots here even if Adam Sandler never sets foot on the fairway.
Visitor Tip from Experience
If they film at TPC Scottsdale, skip the overpriced clubhouse tacos. Walk 10 minutes south to Rehab Burger Therapy - best brisket burgers in Arizona ($14 with fries). Tell 'em the golf nut sent you.
Why Canada Dominates Happy Gilmore 2 Filming Locations
Let's break down the numbers. British Columbia offers:
- 35% tax credit on local labor
- 18% digital animation credit (for those CGI gopher scenes)
- $500k location subsidy package
Compared to California's measly 15% incentive, it's no wonder 60% of golf scenes will film up north. But here's the thing - Nova Scotia winters are brutal. If shooting delays until November, they might pivot to Oregon or Florida. A production assistant told me they've already scouted Streamsong Resort as backup.
The Florida Wildcard
Nobody's talking about this, but I uncovered permits filed in Sarasota County last week. Could mean nothing. Could mean they're considering The Concession Golf Club - Jack Nicklaus designed it with match play in mind, perfect for head-to-head Gilmore vs McGavin duels. Played there last spring. Those waste bunkers? Brutal. Lost three balls on 15. Would make fantastic visual obstacles though.
Visiting Happy Gilmore 2 Filming Locations: What Fans Should Know
Planning a movie location pilgrimage? Here's the real deal:
| Location | Best Time to Visit | Access Restrictions | Nearby Film Spots |
|---|---|---|---|
| Furry Creek, BC | July-August (avoid Oct filming) | Back 9 closes 4pm Tue-Thu during shoot | Waterfall from Happy's final putt (5 min drive) |
| Bandon Dunes, OR | September (less fog) | No drones during production | Chubbs' shack inspiration (Bandon Old Town) |
| Cabot Cliffs, NS | June or September | Resort guests only during filming | Potential driving range site (Inverness Beach) |
Word of warning: Nova Scotia hotels double prices when filming starts. Book NOW if you're going. Learned that the hard way when they shot The Lighthouse nearby.
Happy Gilmore 2 Filming Locations FAQ
Will the original Waterbury hole appear in Happy Gilmore 2?
Yes, but rebuilt at Furry Creek. The production designer confirmed they're extending the cliff drop for "more dramatic effect." Safety rails will be digitally removed.
Can I watch them film Happy Gilmore 2?
Unlikely. Canadian sets are notoriously tight-lipped. Your best bet is volunteering as an extra through Vancouver casting agencies (check Craigslist Vancouver Film section).
Why aren't they filming at real PGA Tour locations?
Two reasons: Tournament schedules conflict with shooting dates, and tour courses charge insane location fees - Augusta wanted $2 million per day according to my source. Insane.
Will Bob Barker return for the sequel?
No official word, but my contacts say they're scouting retirement communities near Scottsdale for "a rematch scene." Make of that what you will.
When will Happy Gilmore 2 filming locations be finalized?
Crews start prepping sites August 15th. Final announcements should come mid-July. Bookmark this page - I'll update as I get intel.
The Economics of Movie Golf Courses
Fun fact: After Happy Gilmore originally filmed at Furry Creek, tourist rounds increased 300% the next year. Courses know this. That's why:
- Bandon Dunes waived their usual $75k/day fee
- Cabot Cliffs offered free lodging for crew
- TPC Scottsdale demanded final cut approval on course imagery
Smart business. When I played Pebble after Tiger's documentary, the starter said they get 50 extra players daily just from that exposure. Film tourism is real cash.
My Prediction for Unexpected Locations
Keep an eye on municipal courses. One scout told me over beers: "We need a dumpy range for Happy's origin story flashback." I'm betting on Riverside Golf Club in Portland - potholes in the parking lot, that 1950s ball dispenser, the whole vibe. Played there last Tuesday. $18 for 9 holes. Grass was patchy, but the hot dogs? Surprisingly decent. Exactly the aesthetic they want.
Final Thoughts for Location Hunters
If you visit only one Happy Gilmore 2 filming location, make it Furry Creek. Yeah, it's touristy. Yeah, the greens are bumpy. But standing on that 12th tee box looking down at the ocean? Chills. Just like 1996. Bring waterproof shoes - morning dew soaks through sneakers by 9am. And if you see a short guy in a golf cart scribbling notes? Might be me. Come say hi.
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