Happy Gilmore 2 swung for the fences with its star-studded cast — and absolutely delivered. From Scottie Scheffler’s hilarious self-drag to Rory McIlroy, Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, and John Daly all making appearances, the film gave golf fans a masterclass in cameos.
Even Paige Spiranac and Charley Hull got their moment in the spotlight. But despite all the big names, two legends were noticeably absent: Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods.
Now we know why — and in Tiger’s case, it wasn’t because he said no.
According to co-producer Chad Mumm, Woods strongly considered appearing in the film, but it just couldn’t be worked into his packed schedule.
“There were like 29 people on the list,” Mumm said in an interview with Skratch. “I got all of them except for Tiger and Phil.”
Phil reportedly never really engaged with the idea. But Tiger?
“I kind of heard afterwards that he really considered it. It just kind of didn’t work from a scheduling perspective.”
No politics. No behind-the-scenes drama. Just pure timing.
So Close, Yet So Far
Tiger’s schedule, even in semi-retirement, remains chaotic. Between rehab, TGL business duties, and following son Charlie’s junior golf journey, the 15-time major champ couldn’t carve out time for a film shoot — even one as nostalgic as this.
That’s not to say it wouldn’t have been epic. Tiger cracking a one-liner with Sandler? Maybe rolling in a 40-footer with that cold, knowing grin? The moment nearly happened, and fans will be dreaming of what could’ve been.
Jack Nicklaus only appeared thanks to a lucky break in timing. Flip the calendar a few weeks, and he would’ve missed it too. These cameos are harder to land than most people realize.
The fact that Tiger wanted to be involved — and just couldn’t make it work — is going to keep hope alive. If there’s a Happy Gilmore 3 (and let’s be honest, we’re probably getting one), don’t be surprised if Tiger finally makes his cameo debut.
Until then, golf fans will have to settle for what Mumm calls “the cameo that almost happened.” And in Tiger’s case, almost might be more exciting than most people’s actual scenes.
