12 Iconic Golf Courses: Unveiling The Real-Life Locations Of *Happy Gilmore* And The New Sequel

The enduring legend of Happy Gilmore's unorthodox golf swing continues to captivate fans, especially now in late 2025, with the excitement surrounding the long-awaited sequel. While the fictional Waterbury Open and the U.S. Open serve as the backdrop for the ex-hockey player's tumultuous career, the real-life settings are a collection of stunning, accessible, and often prestigious golf courses across two different countries. The original 1996 film established iconic locations in British Columbia, Canada, but the new sequel, *Happy Gilmore 2*, shifts the entire narrative—and its filming—to the historic and challenging links of New Jersey, USA, providing a fresh, updated list of must-visit golf destinations for any true fan.

The quest to find the 'Happy Gilmore golf course' is not about a single location, but rather a pilgrimage to a dozen distinct venues that brought Adam Sandler’s cinematic golf journey to life. This comprehensive guide uncovers every major real-world course used in both the classic film and the highly anticipated 2024 sequel, detailing their current status and the iconic scenes filmed there, allowing fans to truly 'go to their happy place.'

The Original 'Happy Place': Iconic Courses of the 1996 Classic

The original movie’s production was centered entirely around Vancouver and the scenic Fraser Valley of British Columbia, Canada. These courses provided the lush, often mountainous backdrops for Happy’s first foray into professional golf, his rivalry with Shooter McGavin, and his tutelage under Chubbs Peterson.

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Swaneset Bay Resort & Country Club (Pitt Meadows, BC)

This course is arguably the most recognizable and important filming location from the original movie. The grand clubhouse and its two championship courses, designed by legendary golfer Lee Trevino, served as the primary setting for the professional golf tournaments, including the climactic Tour Championship.

• The Iconic Clubhouse: The stunning, palatial building is instantly recognizable as the main tournament headquarters where many interior and exterior scenes were shot.
• The Tour Championship: Most of the final tournament scenes, where Happy faces off against Shooter McGavin, were filmed across Swaneset's sprawling 36 holes.
• Current Status: Swaneset Bay remains a public-accessible, world-class resort and country club, allowing fans to play the exact fairways where Happy launched his career.

Pitt Meadows Golf Club (Pitt Meadows, BC)

Located near Swaneset, Pitt Meadows Golf Club was also utilized for various scenes, lending its unique character to the movie's diverse tournament settings. It is one of the foundational British Columbia golf courses that established the film’s visual identity.

Furry Creek Golf and Country Club (Furry Creek, BC)

Known for its breathtaking views of Howe Sound, Furry Creek provided the dramatic, coastal mountain scenery that is a signature of the Vancouver area. While not a primary location for the golf action, its inclusion helped establish the varied, high-stakes environments of the golf tour.

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The New Links: Unveiling the *Happy Gilmore 2* New Jersey Filming Locations

In a major shift for the sequel, *Happy Gilmore 2* moved its entire production to New Jersey in the fall of 2024, introducing a fresh set of historic and challenging courses to the *Happy Gilmore* lore. The new storyline, which sees Happy returning to the golf circuit to save his daughter's ballet lessons, utilizes a diverse range of New Jersey golf clubs, from prestigious private venues to local driving ranges.

Fiddler's Elbow Country Club (Bedminster, NJ)

The 54-hole Fiddler's Elbow Country Club served as the primary shoot site for the sequel, hosting the majority of the golf action. Its status as a premier, multi-course facility made it an ideal stand-in for the major tournaments Happy competes in. The club's extensive grounds provided the production with the scale needed for the professional tour.

Montclair Golf Club (Verona/West Orange, NJ)

As one of the oldest American golf courses, dating back to 1893, Montclair Golf Club played a pivotal role in the sequel. Its historic and prestigious atmosphere likely provided the setting for some of the higher-stakes or more formal tournament scenes. The club boasts 36 holes and a rich history, adding a layer of authenticity and grandeur to the new film’s setting.

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Beacon Hill Country Club (Atlantic Highlands, NJ)

This course holds a special place in the sequel's plot, as it is reportedly the location where Happy Gilmore wins the fictional 98th U.S. Open. Perched near the Jersey Shore, Beacon Hill’s scenic elevation and striking overhead shots were utilized to capture the dramatic conclusion of the tournament.

Other Key New Jersey Filming Locations

To capture the full spectrum of Happy’s journey—from practice to competition—several other New Jersey venues were used:

• Closter Golf Center: This local driving range was used to film scenes of Happy "finding his rhythm" and practicing his signature long drive.
• Farmview Golf Center (Long Valley): Also known as Big Charley's Mini Golf, this location was used for a mini-golf scene, suggesting Happy’s short game might still need some work.
• Alpine Country Club & Forest Hill Field Club: These clubs also hosted various scenes, rounding out the diverse New Jersey backdrop for the film.

Playing the Legend: Can You Visit and Play These Courses Today?

For fans inspired to try their own hockey-style slapshot, the good news is that many of the most iconic *Happy Gilmore* filming locations are accessible to the public, offering a unique blend of cinematic nostalgia and high-quality golf.

The Original BC Courses (1996)

The Canadian locations are generally more accessible to the public:

• Swaneset Bay Resort & Country Club: This is a resort and country club open to the public. You can book a tee time and play the exact courses where Happy and Shooter battled it out, making it the ultimate fan destination.
• Pitt Meadows Golf Club: This course is also generally public-accessible, allowing fans to easily trace Happy’s early career steps.
• Furry Creek Golf and Country Club: Known for being one of Canada’s most scenic courses, it is a public course and a spectacular place to play a round.

The Sequel NJ Courses (2024)

The New Jersey courses used for *Happy Gilmore 2* are generally more exclusive, but not entirely off-limits:

• Fiddler's Elbow Country Club & Montclair Golf Club: These are prestigious private country clubs. Access typically requires being a member or being invited by a member. However, they occasionally host charity or corporate events that can offer a rare opportunity for non-members to play.
• Beacon Hill Country Club: This is a private club, but like the others, limited public access may occur through events or specific packages.
• Closter Golf Center & Farmview Golf Center: The driving range and mini-golf locations are fully public, offering an easy and fun way to connect with the film's production.

Whether you’re in British Columbia, hitting the fairways where Happy first learned to putt, or visiting New Jersey to see the new battlegrounds of the 98th U.S. Open, the real-life *Happy Gilmore* golf courses offer a tangible connection to one of the most beloved sports comedies of all time. The film’s topical authority on golf-comedy remains unmatched, and with the sequel now available on Netflix, the renewed interest in these cinematic links is at an all-time high.