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Tory BarronESPN Editor
Will Zalatoris wowed all week in his Masters debut — finishing 9 under on Sunday with rounds of 70-68-71-70 — but his exceptional play at Augusta National wasn’t the only thing that had people talking. Any fan of Adam Sandler’s cult classic “Happy Gilmore” immediately recognized that 24-year-old Zalatoris bore a striking resemblance to a certain caddie from the 1996 Waterbury Open.
Gilmore, er, Sandler himself couldn’t resist sending well-wishes to the “punk” who was by his side while he weathered the highs and lows of Happy’s erratic golf game as he entered the final day of tournament play in second place:
Have fun today young man. Mr. Gilmore is watching you and very proud. pic.twitter.com/iwOEuMdR8W
— Adam Sandler (@AdamSandler) April 11, 2021
While Zalatoris’ appearance has been likened to everyone from Owen Wilson to Wayne Gretzky, the golfer himself has embraced the comparisons to Happy Gilmore’s caddie, as exhibited by the phrase “Mr. Gilmore, I’m your caddy,” engraved on his club.
You love to see it. pic.twitter.com/NvwJHgxobK
— GOLF.com (@GOLF_com) April 11, 2021
If you needed further evidence that Zalatoris is on board with his “Happy Gilmore” ties, after finishing in sole possession of second place on Sunday, he replied to Sandler’s tweet in full character:
If you’re ever in need of a caddie again let me know. I’ll be better this time. I’m always available for you, Mr. Gilmore. https://t.co/R1e8awZIvh
— Will Zalatoris (@WillZalatoris) April 12, 2021
Legend. Hideki Matsuyama might have won the green jacket, but in the internet realm, Zalatoris and Sandler remain undefeated.
