
Bryson DeChambeau is not just a golfer anymore... he's a showman and an entertainer, writes JAMES SHARPE
He took off his cap and waved in turn to each side of the grandstand cheering and roaring his name. It was like watching a rock star return to the stage for one last song.
Even Scottie Scheffler struggled to receive the same ovation when he was crowned Champion Golfer of the Year.
The scavenging kids that hang over the railings behind the 18th green begging players to throw them their balls were in more of a frenzy than usual and many chased DeChambeau off the course pleading with him to throw them his cap too.
DeChambeau had just rolled in a seventh birdie of the day to finish on nine-under and move briefly into a tie for second. This was a player, remember, who shot seven-over on the opening day and looked certain to miss the cut.
In a way, though, none of that mattered. This wasn't adulation, really, for an incredible comeback and three rounds of scintillating golf. This was adoration of a celebrity. Harry Styles may as well have walked out in front of the gallery.
Because that's what DeChambeau is these days. He's not just a golfer anymore. He's a YouTube star with more than two million followers and almost as many on TikTok. He played a round of golf on his channel with US president Donald Trump that racked up more than 15million views. He's a showman. He's an entertainer.
Some of his recent YouTube videos include him trying to break par with a £90 set of clubs bought off Temu, hosting his own tournament to win $250,000, and inviting strangers to hit a hole in one over his house for $100,000. They all have millions of views.
It wasn't always like this, of course. He used to be the pantomime villain, mocked for his slow play, feuding with Brooks Koepka, a chief defector to LIV, the Mad Scientist experimenting with his 3D-printed clubs, same-length irons and piling on nearly three stones of extra muscle to hit the ball even further into orbit. He didn't get these kinds of receptions back then but, boy, he does now.
'It's an honour, really,' said DeChambeau to the huddle of reporters hanging off his every word, including Mail Sport, after his final round at Royal Portrush.
'When I came on the scene, people had a perception of me. I knew who I was but it was difficult to express that. I was lucky to find YouTube and have that be the showcase for me, maturing a little bit and understanding how to learn and realising what this great game is all about.
'The only reason we're getting paid the numbers we're getting is because of those individuals out there in the stands. Once I started realising that, I started changing my mindset of what I needed to do to keep them coming back so they see trying to showcase this great game.
'There's value outside of tournament golf. I hope I can add to the game from outside – YouTube, content, entertainment. That's the stuff that excites me now. Not more than tournament golf, but almost as much as tournament golf.
'I think having another identity with that saying, hey, look, I'm not just a professional, but I'm an entertainer as well. That has shown people the true side of myself.'
Like his presidential pal, he knows how to whip up a crowd. He knows what grabs headlines and what words will be clipped and cut for viral social media content. His performance at Portrush has all-but secured his place at the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black in September and when asked what he could bring, he declared: 'I hope I can bring a lot of energy...and a tsunami of a crowd that's rooting for Team USA!'
And will his mate Trump be there to cheer them on?
'I think he's got bigger problems on his hands right now,' he replied with a laugh.
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Daily Mail
6 hours ago
- Daily Mail
The era of the celebrity thirst traps: All the stars who just can't seem to keep their clothes on - as Nicola Peltz and Emily Ratajkowski raise eyebrows with their VERY racy naked snaps
Nicola Peltz raised eyebrows this week when she shared a fully nude snap to Instagram. The actress, 30, was seen seductively posing in a bath, with her husband Brooklyn Beckham quick to note in the comments that he he had taken the racy photograph. Yet Nicola isn't the only celebrity who has dared to bare on social media in this week alone. Not one to be outdone, Emily Ratajkowksi also decided to show off her naked body in a photodump of her highlights from the month. And in recent years there has been an increase in stars posting 'thirst traps' - provocative content shared with the intention of being desired. So following on from Nicola and Emily's very steamy snaps, MailOnline take a look at all the stars who just can't seem to keep their clothes on. Madonna The Queen of Pop has also posed for a series of thirst traps over the years from black and white snaps in 1992 to more update to date ones over the last three years. Madonna was aged 34 when she posed naked for the series of erotic photographs which were taken in New York and Miami - from burlesque hotels to the streets of the city for a racy Sex book. Taken by Steve Meisel, t he black and white images of the singer raised eyebrows when they were released in back in 1992. However, Madonna has always looked to have been proud of her figure as she took to Instagram to pose topless a number of times. In 2022, the Material Girl star uploaded two images to her Instagram Stories that showed off her bare breasts, but kept to the platform's guidelines by covering her nipples with cheeky emojis. 'Went from candy to money,' the singer captioned the snap, then covered up her breasts with a candy emoji and bag of money emoji, to protect her modesty and not run the risk of getting banned from Instagram. For both photos, Madonna was dressed in a golden corset bottom, but without the top, while standing in a what could be called her beauty and glam room, considering all the various makeup and mirrors in the background. In an added touch of sexy style, the Express Yourself star wore a pair of classic fishnet stockings. In 2020, Madonna deemed coronavirus 'the great equaliser' in an eccenctric video of herself naked in a bathtub. The singer uploaded the clip to her Instagram where she sits in the tub filled with petals and voices her thoughts on COVID-19, saying it has made everyone alike. Madonna styled her blonde locks into an updo for the video while she also shared a sultry snap of herself staring at the camera, with two large roses covering her chest. Lisa Rinna Lisa Rinna bared it all with a racy, nude selfie to ring in the New Year. While preparing to welcome 2025, the reality TV personality, 62, enjoyed a massage and took to Instagram to share a photo of herself after disrobing and before getting on the table. She paid attention to protect her modesty with carefully placed star emojis on her boobs and a '2025 Happy New Year' sticker to shield her nether region. 'Out with the Old,' she wrote alongside the sultry snap and a partying face emoji. 'In with the New!' It came just months after she showed off her birthday suit and shared a completely nude selfie while marking her 61st over the summer. Her latest risqué Instagram post was accompanied by Auld Lang Syne by Guy Lombardo & His Royal Canadians for the year end celebrations. Kim Kardashian Kim Kardashian has left fans in awe with her nude looks over the years but some have caused quite the stir - including when she posed naked for a mirror selfie in 2016. Her controversial naked selfie featured strategically positioned black strips keeping her modesty which sparked uproar on social media. After welcoming two of her four children, North and Saint, Kim posed fully naked in the bathroom mirror, to show that she could still be a mother and be sexy. However, while pregnant with son Saint in 2015, Kim showed off her baby bump by posing naked once again. At the time she shared the snap with her fans on Instagram along with the hashtags #NoFilter #NoPhotoShop #GoodLighting. She posted the revealing shot to dispel online rumours that she is using a surrogate and captioned it with a long explanation of her transforming figure. And in 2018, the reality star shared another revealing mirror selfie on Instagram as she went braless for another bathroom snap. The SKIMs founder was wearing only tiny sparkling bikini bottoms as she covered her chest with her arms while posing in a bathroom. In June, Suki Waterhouse posed topless in very X-rated mirror selfies as she shared throwback photos on Instagram. The singer and actress, 33, confidently showed off her enviable figure in the raunchy photos, that she took during 2015 to 2017. In one snap, Suki covered her breasts with her long blonde locks before posing underwear-less in a bathroom for another photo. She captioned the post: 'the pics i sent to bellboys between 2015-2017 from my iphone 6'. The singer welcomed her daughter - whose name has not been revealed - with her Twilight heartthrob fiancé Robert Pattinson in March 2024. Jodie Turner-Smith Jodie Turner-Smith sure steamed up the Instagram feed in 2021. The actress sizzled as she shared a topless mirror selfie on the picture-sharing social media. The ex-wife of Joshua Jackson strategically covered up her chest with her elbows in the stunning snap taken from her bathroom. She wore nothing but a pair of grey sweatpants in the very revealing photo. Her curly brunette tresses were worn down as she let her naturally gorgeous looks show by going make-up free. The star has also shared topless snaps keeping her modesty with black heart emojis as she donned a black miniskirt. Kourtney Kardashian Like sister Kim, Kourtney Kardashian is not afraid to bare all as she stripped off in 2019 to promote her new lifestyle website Poosh. The reality star sat naked on a bathroom counter holding a book and a cup of tea. And the Keeping Up With The Kardashians star shared another revealing image as she posed naked in a bathtub with the caption, 'Love yourself as deeply as you love them.' The petite beauty had on flawless makeup with frosty lipstick and lined eyebrows as she lay down in the tub that was filled with bubbles. All eyes were on her incredible figure with toned legs and a flat tummy. The image looked heavily retouched as if it was an advertisement. Kourtney went on to welcome son Rocky with husband Travis Barker in 2023 and showed off her baby bump in a series of naked photos. Ulrika Jonnson TV presenter Ulrika Jonnson stripped down totally naked to enjoy the British sunshine - wearing nothing except a pair of wellies. The 57-year-old proved she's still got it as she showed off her inked arms and stuck a flower in her blonde hair as she posed holding her wheelbarrow. Ulrika displayed her curves and impressive tan as she did a spot of gardening - albeit totally naked. Baring all, she stood amongst the sprawling countryside in her green, knee-high welly boots as she gently leaned against the empty wheelbarrow. Placing an orange flower behind her ear, Ulrika let her blonde locks flow down her shoulders and accessorised with silver jewellery. She told fans she was 'baring herself' to celebrate hitting a milestone number of followers, and to support bereavement support charity StrongMen. Britney Spears Britney Spears has left little to the imagination over the years as she regularly strips naked while posing for social media videos and photos. Last year, the pop-star went completely nude as she posed for an eye-catching beach photo keeping her modesty by turning away from the camera and looking over her shoulder flashing her bare bottom. Leaving her long blonde tresses to blow in the sea breeze, Britney flashed her gorgeous smile as she posed up a storm for the picture. She simply captioned the post with a tulip emoji and, as always, ensured the comments were switched off. In 2022, the Baby One More Time hitmaker shared naked photographs of herself lying in her bathtub. The Grammy-winning singer shared two full frontal nude pictures of herself lounging in her bath. She placed her hands across her chest and covered her modesty with a pink flower emoji in the snaps. Gwyneth Paltrow Gwyneth Paltrow continued her annual birthday tradition in 2021 as she celebrated turning 49, by stripping naked to pose in a bathtub for a sizzling Instagram snap. The actress showcased her famous figure as she relaxed in the water for the jaw-dropping post, after her husband Brad Fulchuk posted a gushing birthday tribute. Overlooking a stunning night landscape Gwyneth covered her bust with hands as she playfully glanced to the camera while posing in the bath. Opting to let the image speak for itself, Gwyneth captioned the image with an eclipse emoji. Last year the star sent fans wild by stripping naked and posing in her garden to celebrate her 48th birthday. In the caption, Gwyneth thanked everyone for their birthday wishes while also plugging her lifestyle brand Goop. 'In nothing but my birthday suit today... thank you all so much for the birthday wishes and thank you to @goop 's insanely amazing brand new body butter for making me think I can still get my kit off. #goopgenes' she captioned the snap. Gabrielle Union Gabrielle Union took to Instagram last year to mark her birthday with a carousel post including a number of steamy snaps. Engaging her audience of 21.4 million, the Bring It On actress shared a racy snapshot as she showered in the buff, using a white washcloth to cover her modesty. 'This is 52,' she declared at the beginning of her caption. 'This is grown woman s**t.' She continued, 'This is being accountable for mess ups. Being gracious when others mess up. Being open to being wrong and being proud and confident when you are right.' The mother-of-one, who shares five-year-old daughter Kaavia with husband Dwyane Wade, smiled while posing in front of the stone wall of a luxe outdoor shower. Union's message to her followers went on, 'This is loving passionately and unapologetically. This is clear and firm boundaries. 'This is sexy. This is audacious. This is fun and full of wild adventures. This is calling a thing a thing and not falling for the Okey Doke and demanding better.' She added, 'This is being alone without being lonely. This is enjoying nature. This is fierce and compassionate motherhood. This is fighting for my people and yours. This is me at 52. Loving ALL of me.' Lottie Moss OnlyFans star Lottie Moss often leaves nothing to the imagination and in 2022 she posed topless as she returned to social media after a stint in rehab for drug addiction. The model put on a very racy display as she posed topless with nothing but duct tape protecting her modesty in the photos. Standing in front of a huge photo of Jimi Hendrix, Lottie showed off her toned figure and surgically-enhanced cleavage as she worked the camera. Styling her hair in blonde pigtails, Lottie wore a black thong and a shirt which she left completely undone. After standing by the framed print, the OnlyFans star proceeded to writhe around the floor in a series of seductive snaps. Lottie captioned: 'It's called art Jimmi approves so you should too.' Kirsten Bell Dax Shepard had a unique way of celebrating wife Kristen Bell's first-ever Emmy nomination; pictured in April The 50-year-old actor-comedian engaged his 4.1 million Instagram followers on Tuesday as he shockingly shared a photo of Kristen, 44, doing yoga in the nude Dax Shepard had a unique way of celebrating wife Kristen Bell 's first-ever Emmy nomination earlier this month. The 50-year-old actor-comedian engaged his 4.1 million Instagram followers on Tuesday as he shockingly shared a photo of Kristen, 44, doing yoga in the nude. Bell, who was nominated for her role in the hit Netflix series Nobody Wants This, appeared to be in their Los Feliz backyard as she posed in the downward dog position with her left leg lifted. The mother-of-two, who married Dax in 2013, was wearing nothing but knee-high blue socks. Shepard joked in the caption: 'People might not know everything that happens behind the scenes in order to create an Emmy nominated performance like Kristen's. This may or may not have been a part of her training, but it felt right. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!' The raunchy post has so far collected over 113,000 likes, with famous friends joining the comments section. Amelia Gray Hamlin Amelia Gray Hamlin shared a striking nude selfie via Instagram Story, writing that she 'felt like a mermaid' as she posed with the reflection of her bare backside in a full-length shower mirror Earlier this year, Amelia Gray Hamlin shared a striking nude selfie via Instagram Story. Writing that she 'felt like a mermaid' as she posed with the reflection of her bare backside in a full-length shower mirror. She placed an oyster emoji at the small of her back in the image, and used a pink bow emoji to cover the side of her breast. On display in the racy picture was the tan line of a thong bikini. The star, who is the nepo baby of Lisa Rinna and Harry Hamlin, pulled back a portion of her waist-length raven locks with a pale pink hair clip. Ashley Graham In 2020, pregnant Ashley Graham had no qualms about sharing a nude selfie on social media on Thanksgiving In 2020, pregnant Ashley Graham had no qualms about sharing a nude selfie on social media on Thanksgiving. The plus-size model showed off her large baby bump in the mirror selfie in which she's holding her phone in one hand and uses her other hand to cover her bare breasts. The no holds barred image shows her without makeup and with her hair tied up away from her face. Graham was expecting a boy with husband Justin Ervin; the couple announced their happy baby news on their ninth wedding anniversary that August. Irina Shayk Irina Shayk sent pulses racing after posing for an almost nude selfie last year Irina Shayk sent pulses racing after posing for an almost nude selfie last year. The Russian model, — who recently rocked the runway during Paris Fashion Week — took to Instagram to share a some very sexy topless snaps flaunting her fit figure. She looked ethereal as she posed nearly naked in just her black thong underwear for a mirror selfie, covering her chest to protect her modesty. The5ft10in beauty appeared to be in a studio surrounded by racks of clothes and makeup stations. 'Rehearsing dattt Last day of PFW:),' she captioned the carousel of photos. Heidi Klum Heidi Klum shared another racy selfie to her Instagram Stories last month She has also posed topless while wrapped in a towel during a lavish holiday The model, 21, and her mother, 52, made headlines last year when they appeared in a sexy ad for Italian lingerie brand Intimissimi Heidi Klum shared another racy selfie to her Instagram Stories last month. The America's Got Talent judge, 52, appeared to be in a fitting as there was a rack of clothes in the background of the shot. In the picture, the Project Runway star was topless with one hand across her ample breasts for privacy. The top of a pair of pantyhose could be seen and Heidi wore her hair in what looked like a Princess Leia style. The runway veteran's very slim torso was on full display in the photo. The sexy snap isn't out of the blue for the supermodel, she often shares sexy snaps on her Instagram account. Last year, Heidi and her 21-year-old daughter Leni Klum made headlines when they appeared in a sexy ad for Italian lingerie brand Intimissimi. Fans were vocal about how disturbing they found the photos of both Heidi and Leni showing off their bodies in lingerie while arm in arm. Commenters on Intimissimi's Instagram post were largely positive, but several vocal users were concerned or disturbed by the mother–daughter display. 'Dude that's your mom,' one person put it bluntly. Heidi blocked comments on her post. In her photos and video, Heidi showcased her toned abs in a lacy burgundy set as she posed next to Leni, who had on a black bra and panties. Bianca Censori In February, Bianca Censori sparked worldwide outrage as she went completely naked at the 2025 Grammys , alongside covered-up husband Kanye West More recently Bianca looked incredible in a new drop of sexy snaps taken by her husband and controversial rapper Kanye and shared to her Instagram In February, Bianca Censori sparked worldwide outrage as she went completely naked at the 2025 Grammys, alongside covered-up husband Kanye West. The designer, 30, who has previously shocked with risque displays, bared it all in a completely see-through nude mesh dress, worn without underwear - much to the shock of social media and onlookers - before rumors swirled the pair were 'kicked out.' Bianca exuded confidence as she headed to the carpet clad in a furry coat, before theatrically dropping the garment and flashing her bare derriere to photographers. She turned around to show off her topless chest and lack of underwear while West - nominated in the Best Rap Song category - leered at her nude body during the incident of indecent exposure. The star paired this with a nude heels and a touch of make-up. In contrast, West, 47, donned a demure black outfit and shades. It was reported the pair were asked to leave the event after turning up uninvited, and escorted out by cops after their 'crazy stunt.' However another source said they 'left of their own accord' and the exact narrative remains unclear. More recently Bianca looked incredible in a new drop of sexy snaps taken by her husband and controversial rapper Kanye West and shared to her Instagram. The Australian architect showed off her jaw-dropping figure in white lace lingerie while posing in her hotel room in Japan in shots taken in October last year. Censori showed off her ample assets and tiny waist as she posed in the sheer bra and matching thong-style knickers. She boosted her petite frame with a pair of stilettos and wore her blonde locks in a bouncy blown out style, which covered her pretty features. Nicola Peltz Nicola's naked bath snap isn't the first time she has stripped off for racy photo as in 2021 she posed completely naked while shirtless Brooklyn, took photographs of her The couple stripped off for a steamy bathroom shoot, which saw the model ditch her clothing in favour of a simple towel wrapped around her head Nicola set pulses racing with a jaw-dropping naked snap in a bathtub this week, after enjoying a swanky lunch with her pal Elton John. Yet this is not the first time Nicola has stripped off for racy Instagram snaps as in 2021 she posed completely naked while shirtless Brooklyn, took photographs of her. The couple stripped off for a steamy bathroom shoot, which saw the model ditch her clothing in favour of a simple towel wrapped around her head. In one sultry shot, Nicola cuddled her beau from behind while staring in the bathroom mirror as he snapped away on a vintage look camera. For the second he crouched down to capture the perfect angle, while she wrapped her arms around her bare chest to cover her modesty. Emily Ratajkowski She's certainly never been shy when it comes to showing off her supermodel looks, and Emily Ratajkowski has made sure to cause quite the stir over the years posing naked The American actress has been giving her 29million followers a very rude awakening as she previously posed completely mude while laying across a rug alongside her dog Columbo Also in 2019, one of Emily's daring snaps including one where she went topless to launch her new bodywear line She's certainly never been shy when it comes to showing off her supermodel looks, and Emily has made sure to cause quite the stir over the years posing naked. The American actress has been giving her 29million followers a very rude awakening as she previously posed completely mude while laying across a rug alongside her dog Columbo. There appeared to be no rhyme or reason for the photo which was taken in 2022 and the model simply captioned: 'baby boy bumbi.' The cheeky snap showcased her bare bottom as she mirrored the same pose as her pooch, who had his paws up while spread out across the floor. Read More Is it EVER a good idea to send a nude photo? Tracey Cox reveals the dos and don'ts from laying the groundwork to the most flattering angles (and six ways to deal with an unwanted one) In 2019, the actress posed naked once again for a photo shared on Instagram where she decried the '25 old white men' who approved HB 314, a comprehensive bill essentially banning abortions even in the event of rape and incest. Emily kept her arm over her chest and positioned a pink flower below for the daring photo. 'This week, 25 old white men voted to ban abortion in Alabama even in cases of incest and rape,' she wrote online. 'These men in power are imposing their wills onto the bodies of women in order to uphold the patriarchy and perpetuate the industrial prison complex by preventing women of low economic opportunity the right to choose to not reproduce. 'The states trying to ban abortion are the states that have the highest proportions of black women living there. 'This is about class and race and is a direct attack on the fundamental human rights women in the US deserve and are protected by under Roe vs. Wade. Our bodies, our choice. She posed in the nude against a stark white backdrop, seemingly only wearing eyeliner and mascara with a flower perfectly positioned for minimal modesty. Also in 2019, one of Emily's daring snaps including one where she went topless to launch her new bodywear line. 'Weave of my dreams,' Emily captioned the post. In the photo, the model sat in bed, completely naked, with just a sheet and her long, untamed tresses protecting her modesty. Her wild brown hair fell chaotically over both her shoulders, covering her breasts. She held onto a white bed sheet to cover the lower half of her body, yet her nude hip still managed to peak out.


Telegraph
7 hours ago
- Telegraph
How Happy Gilmore made golf sexy
In 2015, the actor Christopher McDonald attended the US Open and found himself in a private box with Tiger Woods. Professional golfers know McDonald for playing Shooter McGavin, the smug, sneering villain of Adam Sandler 's beloved 1996 golf comedy, Happy Gilmore. He also returns for the long-anticipated sequel, which is now streaming on Netflix. While golf enthusiasts would usually pester Woods for a selfie, in this case it was the other way round. Woods – a 15-time major tournament winner – wanted a photo with the one and only Shooter McGavin. Such is the cult reputation of Happy Gilmore in the golfing world. 'We did a selfie and it wound up on the internet with a bunch of funny headlines,' McDonald later told Vulture. 'My favourite was, 'Greatest Golfer in the World Takes Picture with Tiger Woods.'' In the original film, Happy Gilmore (Sandler) is a failed, short-fused ice hockey player who turns to golf when he discovers a knack for hitting a 400-yard drive. He enters the PGA Tour for the prize money, to save his sweet (but tax-dodging) grandmother's repossessed house, and causes chaos in the usually stuffy sport – swearing, fighting, and throwing his clubs around the green. The character was inspired by Kyle McDonough, a childhood friend of Sandler's and a former hockey player. In the years since its 1996 release, golf pros have copied Happy's signature tee-off shot – a running, hockey-powered swing – and golfers have lined up for a cameo in Happy Gilmore 2. It's little wonder. Happy Gilmore – the definitive Adam Sandler comedy – gave the sport a sense of humour. It's the film that finally gave golf a bit more edge. '[Did it make it] a bit sexier and trendier? I think, yes, absolutely it did!' Kyle McDonough – the original Happy Gilmore – tells me now. 'Not everybody who loves Happy Gilmore plays golf, but I think everybody who actually likes golf loves the film.' Sandler and McDonough have been friends since the first grade (6-7 years old) and then lived just three blocks away from each other in Manchester, New Hampshire. As teenagers they would play golf with Sandler's father. McDonough, who played ice hockey from the age of five, could always drive the ball much farther down the fairway – though not quite as far as the 400-yard drives seen in the movie. 'His father would say, 'What's with those wrists? That's something to do with that hockey background… there's something there,'' recalls McDonough, 59, now a history teacher in New Hampshire. Did McDonough agree with Sandler Sr's theory, that hockey was the reason he hit the ball farther? 'It made sense to me,' he says. 'The core, the hand-eye coordination… I wasn't going to argue. And, hey, it helped my golf game! It was a good enough theory.' He adds: 'I've played golf with a lot of hockey players who can really hit the ball. But do we always know where it's going? No…' How far could McDonough really hit the ball? 'A little later on, I was invited to a tournament,' he says. 'I had to borrow Adam's father's clubs. I won the long drive contest in that tournament. I hit that right near the green. It was 300-something yards.' McDonough recalls that after a stint playing pro ice hockey in Scotland, Sandler called him and told him that he was planning to make a movie inspired by his friend's talent. McDonough gave Sandler advice on the world of hockey and hockey players. In the film, Happy Gilmore isn't particularly good at hockey or ice skating – all he can do is whack the puck and whack the opposing players. McDonough admits he could be tough and sweary on the ice, but that's where the similarities end. 'I was a tough hockey player but I wasn't Happy tough,' he says. 'I wouldn't stab people with skates… but I led the league in penalties when I played in Norway. I guess you say there's a little Happy in me.' Sandler began working on Saturday Night Live in the early 1990s and moved into movies. Following the similarly-spirited Billy Madison (1995) – about a slacker who goes back to school – Happy Gilmore was one of his early breakout films, establishing Sandler's volatile, sweet-natured man-child schtick. During filming, Sandler turned to Mark Lye, a pro golfer-turned-broadcaster, for advice on the golfing world. Lye protested about some story elements that he thought were mocking the sacred game and the hallowed ground of Augusta National, the club where the Masters Tournament is held. Lye insisted they remove the inclusion of the coveted green jacket, traditionally worn by the winner of the Masters, so Happy competes for a fictitious gold jacket instead. Lye also arranged for the crew to attend a PGA Tour event to get a feel for what golf was really like. Happy Gilmore is a far from realistic depiction, though. Golf experts have had some fun picking apart its numerous golfing inaccuracies, from scoreboard errors to Happy's hockey stick-shaped Odyssey putter. (Odyssey has released a hockey stick putter to coincide with the sequel). But the film is ultimately about loosening up golf's prim-and-proper disposition. 'Golf has been waiting for a player like this,' says Virginia Venit (Julie Bowen), the golf publicist-turned-love interest. 'A colourful, emotional working-class hero.' Happy's antics draw new fans to golf. In the movie, one golf commentator describes the newfound fans as an 'economically diverse crowd'. And anecdotally, at least, a similar trend took place in real life: Happy Gilmore brought the formerly upper-crust sport to the masses. Happy Gilmore isn't the only iconic golf comedy. Caddyshack (1980), starring Chevy Chase and Bill Murray, scored a hole in one for the previous generation of golfing fans. But Caddyshack didn't stick a flag into the golfing culture in the same way as Happy Gilmore. Golf websites such as Golf Digest are packed with articles on Happy Gilmore (with particular love for Shooter McGavin), and attempting the wild Happy Gilmore swing has become a staple for golfing pros. Irish golfer Pádraig Harrington is particularly well known for doing it. Harrington performed the swing at the 2014 PGA Championship. 'Look, it's second nature to me,' he said. 'I grew up playing hurling so I've never had a second thought about doing a Happy Gilmore – running up, hitting it.' The Happy Gilmore swing is technically legal, though the R&A golf authority gave a snooty opinion on it back in 2012, telling CNN that there was a concern about 'whether it fits with the etiquette of the game as defined in the rules. Players must have respect for the course itself and perhaps this shot lends itself to increased likelihood of damage to the course.' Rick Shiels, a British PGA pro and golf YouTuber, made a video about the Happy Gilmore swing ('One of my favourite films of all time,' he said) to see if the technique actually helps hit the ball further. He managed to wallop the ball an impressive 337 yards, at a speed of 120mph. McDonough is amused at the idea his long drives inadvertently inspired the pros. 'I saw three or four of them all doing it at the same time, I guess it's kind of a ritual.' McDonough is likely referring to a 2021 video in which Team TaylorMade – a group of sponsored pros including Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy – marked 25 years of Happy Gilmore by wearing his iconic hockey shirt and trying the big Happy drive. The big swing isn't the only part of Happy's game that's influenced real golfers. In 2022, Spencer Levin used a Happy-style putting technique – holding the club with a split grip, with one hand much lower than usual – at the Shriners Open, making his first PGA Tour cut in five years. And just last week at the Scottish Open, American pro Scottie Scheffler was compared to Happy for outstretching his arms in disbelief when a putt veered off to the left. Scheffler is among numerous golfers who have cameos in Happy Gilmore 2, along with Brooks Koepka, Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, Xander Schauffele, and Nelly Korda. McDonough also has a cameo as a caddy. For McDonough, it's a fun legacy – particularly in his job as a history teacher. Every year the younger students hear the rumours that he's the basis for Happy. 'Rumours fly around from the older kids,' he says. 'By the end of the year they ask me directly, 'Is that true?' Sometimes I play around and say, 'That doesn't sound like me.' They look it up and I get a bit more street cred when they realise it's true.' It's telling that Happy Gilmore is still an unlikely sporting hero for younger generations. Almost thirty years on, Happy Gilmore's popularity keeps on swinging – from the golfing green and beyond.


The Sun
9 hours ago
- The Sun
I'm a brothel manager and I've seen the craziest things – a mother and daughter working together is just the start
IF you've ever wondered what really goes on inside a brothel, we've got just the thing. Here, Catherine De Noir, 31, who is manager of one of Europe 's biggest legal brothels, has given an insight into what actually happens in the world of legalised sex work. 4 4 4 As a result of her job, Catherine, who has an academic background in organisational psychology, has 'seen it all.' But in a recent clip posted on social media, the blonde got candid on the 'craziest things' she has witnessed as a legal brothel manager. Catherine has worked in the industry for nine years and has handled everything from diverse fantasies to famous celebrities. She even once spotted a very well-known politician walk through the brothel's door. Not only this, but she's also seen family members working together and has even witnessed some very bizarre role play too. In a short video shared online, Catherine revealed the four situations that left her totally stunned. She revealed: 'The husband of one of the women found out she worked there and started coming in as her client.' Not only this, but Catherine, who has seen numerous married men cheat on their wives, then got candid on a bizarre role play experience that left her lost for words. 'A customer paid to play the role of a plumber and spent the entire session fixing a bathtub and toilet," she continued. As well as this, she simply claimed: 'A mother and daughter working together.' World's First Cyber Brothel Finally, the brothel manager, who warned that the busiest times for married men to visit brothels are between 3pm and 5pm, gasped: 'One of the women set a room on fire during a session with a customer.' Social media users react Catherine's TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @ has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 141,600 views, 3,121 likes and 20 comments. Social media users were stunned by Catherine's claims and many flocked to the comments to share their thoughts. One person said: 'Lol the first one got me. The others I can understand.' Are brothels legal in the UK? There has been a growing debate in the UK about whether brothels should be legalised, following the emergence of pop-up brothels across the country. These temporary establishments, often set up in residential areas, have sparked concerns among local communities and law enforcement agencies. The current legal framework in the UK criminalises the operation of brothels, but individual sex work is permitted. This has led to a complex and often problematic situation for those involved in the industry. Advocates for legalising brothels argue that regulation could improve safety and working conditions for sex workers. By bringing the industry out of the shadows, they believe that sex workers would have better access to health services and legal protection, reducing the risks of exploitation and violence. Furthermore, regulated brothels could be subject to health and safety standards, ensuring a safer environment for both workers and clients. On the other hand, opponents of legalisation worry that it could lead to an increase in human trafficking and exploitation. They argue that normalising the sex industry might encourage more people to become involved in it, both as workers and clients. Additionally, there are concerns about the impact on local communities, with fears that legalised brothels could lead to an increase in crime and antisocial behaviour in residential areas. As the debate continues, it is clear that there are no easy answers. Balancing the rights and safety of sex workers with the concerns of local communities and broader societal impacts remains a complex challenge. Policymakers will need to carefully consider the potential benefits and drawbacks of legalising brothels in the UK, taking into account the experiences of other countries that have taken similar steps. Another added: 'Omg so much goes on.' A third commented: 'Instant follow. I wanna work for you!'