Happy Gilmore is a 1996 American sports comedy film directed by Dennis Dugan, produced by Robert Simonds, and starring Adam Sandler in the title role, with Christopher McDonald, Julie Bowen, and Carl Weathers. The film follows the exploits of its title character, a failed ice hockey player who seeks to raise enough money to prevent the foreclosure of his grandmother's house. Happy unexpectedly learns he can make long shots in golf and competes in paid tournaments, amassing a following for his skill as well as his boorish behavior.