Happy Gilmore 2 on Netflix takes a whole new direction with its filming location. The production team decided to leave British Columbia behind and go all in on New Jersey. Filming started in September 2024 and covered multiple landmarks, golf courses and public spaces throughout the state. New Jersey’s local charm helped shape the emotional and comedic tone of the movie. You can stream it now on Netflix as of July 25.
A New Home for Happy: Why New Jersey?
The filmmakers chose to set the whole movie in New Jersey. Moving from British Columbia gave the movie a fresh new setting. Historic Golf Courses
The Montclair Golf Club in Verona was one of the movie’s most iconic locations. Established in 1893, the 36-hole private course is a part of American golf history. Several golf scenes in Happy Gilmore 2 were shot on this very course. The beautiful landscapes and old school charm made it perfect for a sports comedy like this. The production team captured action and emotion on the course.
Another golf course that stood out in the movie is the Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club. The club was closed entirely during filming. That allowed uninterrupted shooting of Gilmore’s training and tournament scenes. Its upscale design made it the perfect elite but comedic backdrop for Happy’s return to competitive golf.
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Grand Celebrations at Pleasantdale Château
The movie also featured the beautiful Pleasantdale Château in West Orange. The historic estate was the backdrop for a big celebration scene. In that scene, Happy Gilmore stood alongside golf legends like Tiger Woods. Its grandeur was perfect for the movie’s big moments.
A Day at Ideal BeachA Day at Ideal Beach
One of the sweetest scenes is at Ideal Beach, a pet-friendly spot in New Jersey. This is where Gilmore’s practice sessions get playful and intense. The calm waves and open space are a nice contrast to the high-energy golf scenes. Happy’s interactions with his daughter here add an emotional layer to the story.
Familiar Streets and Local Icons
In addition to big estates and golf clubs, the movie uses local businesses and public institutions to add authenticity. Verona Town Hall is one such spot. The town officials even posted behind-the-scenes photos and welcomed the crew with the message, “Come Back Anytime.” This is how the local communities felt during production.
Kearny, a Newark suburb, is also in the film. This town has been in many movies before. In Happy Gilmore 2, Kearny’s urban feel helps tell parts of Gilmore’s journey.
Closter: A Suburban Star
The town of Closter, New Jersey, is also in the movie. Known for its appearances in The Family Man and The Wolf of Wall Street, Closter brings a quiet intensity to some of Gilmore’s off-course moments. The streets, storefronts and homes give a suburban feel to the emotional shifts in the film.
Local Flavor Through Iconic Eateries
The movie doesn’t stop at showing clubs and towns. It goes deep into local food culture, too. Several scenes take place in well-known eateries across New Jersey. Steve’s Burgers on Route 46 is where Gilmore and his daughter have meals and laughs. The setting adds warmth to their growing relationship.
Nearby, Goldberg’s World Famous Deli & Bagels in Millburn brings in the Jersey morning hustle. With its busy atmosphere and comfort food, the deli grounds the film in everyday life. Another standout eatery is Lokl Café in Morristown, which gives a more modern, laid-back vibe. These cafes and diners are the backdrop for key scenes that shape Gilmore’s new life.
Unexpected Locations Add The movie also features Kim’s Nails in Maplewood. A small location, but it plays a funny role in a comedic scene. This is how the locations blend the serious and the silly. Another important location was Newark Liberty International Airport, used in a transition scene. The airport represents movement, decision making and change – all central to Gilmore’s return.
A Seamless Story and Setting
Every New Jersey location was added to the film. The filmmakers chose each location to reflect different parts of Gilmore’s journey. Golf courses showed his skill and grit. Town streets his emotional growth. Restaurants and shops in his community and relatable.
The movie didn’t use studio sets or CGI landscapes. It used real places with history, personality and warmth. The switch from British Columbia to New Jersey gave Happy Gilmore 2 a family feel. You could see recognizable places that had their own stories and matched the movie’s themes.
Community Loves the Production
New Jersey welcomed the production team with open arms. Adam Sandler was also a big draw. Locals spotted him and his family throughout the shoot. Their time in New Jersey wasn’t just about logistics – it became part of the movie. The personal and professional lines blurred and added to the scenes.
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Final Thoughts: A New Chapter for a Classic Character
By using New Jersey, Happy Gilmore 2 opened up a new chapter in the character’s journey. The locations went beyond being just backdrops. They were part of the story, emotion and humor. Each place had its vibe, history and texture and elevated the film.
With golf, emotion, comedy and heart, Happy Gilmore 2 used New Jersey not just as a location, but as a character itself. The movie is now streaming on Netflix. Go watch, laugh, and appreciate the state’s cinematic beauty.
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