The Definitive Answer: Was Will Zalatoris Really The Caddy In Happy Gilmore? (And The Shocking Sequel Update)

The resemblance is uncanny, and it’s a question that has plagued golf fans and movie buffs for years: Was PGA Tour star Will Zalatoris the scrawny, wide-eyed caddy from the iconic 1996 comedy *Happy Gilmore*? The simple, definitive answer, as of late 2025, is no, he was not in the original film. The popular rumor is completely debunked by a simple fact: the film was released months before Zalatoris was even born. However, the story doesn't end there—the connection has become a viral phenomenon that the golfer has fully embraced, leading to a major, confirmed update about his involvement in the highly anticipated sequel, *Happy Gilmore 2*.

The viral comparison between the young Will Zalatoris and the caddy from the Waterbury Open has evolved from a simple internet joke into a key part of the golfer's public persona. The chatter reached a fever pitch when the film's star, Adam Sandler, officially acknowledged the likeness, cementing the connection in pop culture history. This deep dive will not only settle the debate once and for all but also provide the most current details about how Zalatoris is turning the long-standing joke into a reality with the new film.

Will Zalatoris: Full Biography and Career Highlights

Before diving into the *Happy Gilmore* mystery, it is important to establish the credentials of the professional golfer at the center of the debate, William Patrick Zalatoris. He is one of the most exciting young talents on the PGA Tour, known for his elite ball-striking and distinctive, lanky frame—the very characteristics that fueled the caddy comparison.

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• Full Name: William Patrick Zalatoris
• Born: August 16, 1996
• Birthplace: San Francisco, California, USA
• College: Wake Forest University (All-American)
• Turned Professional: 2018
• PGA Tour Wins: 1 (The FedEx St. Jude Championship in 2022)
• Major Championship Performance: Known for his phenomenal finishes in Majors, including a runner-up finish at the 2021 Masters Tournament, a runner-up at the 2022 PGA Championship, and a runner-up at the 2022 U.S. Open.
• Notable LSI Entity: Zalatoris is also known for his signature "Willy Z" nickname and his distinctive pre-shot waggle.

His rapid rise through the professional golf ranks, combined with his unique look, made him a household name, but it was the resemblance to a character from a 1990s comedy film that truly made him a viral sensation.

The Definitive Timeline That Debunks the Caddy Rumor

The persistent rumor that Will Zalatoris played the caddy who advises Happy Gilmore during the crucial Waterbury Open tournament is easily disproven by a simple comparison of dates. This timeline provides the factual evidence that definitively shuts down the speculation:

The Release of Happy Gilmore (1996)

The classic sports comedy *Happy Gilmore*, starring Adam Sandler as the hockey player-turned-golfer, was released in theaters on February 16, 1996. To have appeared in the movie, the actor playing the caddy would have been filmed in 1995 or early 1996.

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Will Zalatoris's Birth Date

Will Zalatoris was born on August 16, 1996. This means that the film had already been in theaters for exactly six months before Zalatoris was born. It is physically impossible for the professional golfer to have appeared in the original movie.

The Real Actor: Jared Van Snellenberg

The actual actor who played the young, nervous caddy—who famously told Happy, "I'm stupid! You're the one who sucks, dummy!"—is Jared Van Snellenberg. Van Snellenberg was approximately 16 years old when he appeared in the film. In a fascinating twist of fate and topical authority, Van Snellenberg is no longer acting; he is now a respected academic, working as an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University.

The Viral Moment: Adam Sandler's Official Endorsement

The comparison, which began in the depths of internet forums and social media, gained mainstream legitimacy thanks to the star of the film himself. In 2021, after Zalatoris finished runner-up at the Masters, Adam Sandler took to social media to officially acknowledge the striking likeness.

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Sandler posted a message to the golfer, writing, "Hoping to see a lot of great golf from you this weekend, Will. I am rooting for you! (And I’m betting on you!)" The playful post, which referenced Zalatoris's resemblance to the caddy, instantly went viral. This moment validated the long-running joke and turned Zalatoris into the unofficial, spiritual successor to the character.

Zalatoris has embraced the joke wholeheartedly. At the 2022 Valspar Championship, his actual caddy, Joel Stock, wore a bib that read "Gilmore's Caddie" in a nod to the comparison, keeping the topical authority fresh and relevant.

The Confirmed Sequel Update: Zalatoris's Role in Happy Gilmore 2

The most current and exciting development in the "Willy Z" and *Happy Gilmore* saga is the news surrounding the sequel. In a major update that is highly relevant to this article, Will Zalatoris has confirmed his involvement in the upcoming movie, *Happy Gilmore 2*.

While details about the plot and his specific role are still under wraps, Zalatoris has spoken publicly about filming the sequel and his excitement to be a part of the project. This move officially brings the long-running joke full circle: the golfer who was mistaken for the original caddy will now be appearing in the official follow-up to the comedy classic. It is a perfect example of how an internet meme can transcend into a real-world, high-profile opportunity.

Fans speculate that Zalatoris may play himself, a professional golfer, or perhaps a grown-up version of the original caddy, though the latter seems unlikely given the real caddy actor's current profession. Regardless, his confirmed appearance ensures that the legacy of the "Happy Gilmore Caddy" will forever be tied to the PGA Tour star, adding a fun and unique chapter to his career. The sequel is expected to feature a host of cameos, and Zalatoris's inclusion is a direct payoff to years of fan-driven comparison.

The connection between Will Zalatoris and the *Happy Gilmore* universe is a testament to the power of viral culture. While he was definitively not the caddy in the 1996 film, his striking resemblance and good humor about the situation have earned him a spot in the sequel, ensuring that the joke lives on for a new generation of golf and movie fans.