High school golf sensation Landon Gilmore, known by his nickname "Happy," received a congratulatory message from actor Adam Sandler after committing to Ball State University. Sandler, who starred in the 1996 film of the same name, tweeted his support for the young golfer.
Gilmore's unique nickname originated in his childhood. "I started going by ‘Happy’ all the time around age 13,” he explained in a 2022 interview.
The 17-year-old announced his commitment to Ball State's golf program as part of their 2024 recruiting class. He expressed his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity, thanking his family, friends, and coaches for their support.
Gilmore described Ball State as the “perfect fit,” citing the campus atmosphere, competitive schedule, and practice facilities as key factors in his decision. He also mentioned his familiarity with some current team members.
A standout player for Bloomington South High School in Indiana, Gilmore recently shot a 66 at the U.S. Junior Amateur qualifier and is currently ranked 481st on Golfweek’s Boys Junior Rankings. He shared his experience navigating the recruiting process and the impact of his unusual name, acknowledging both the positive and negative attention it brings. He maintains a positive outlook, embracing the humor and attention even when scores don't go his way.
