The sequel to one of golf’s most beloved cult classics, Happy Gilmore 2, was destined to be a wild ride—and not just on screen! While Adam Sandler managed to rope in the biggest names in both Hollywood and pro golf, including Rory McIlroy, Bryson DeChambeau, and Travis Kelce, one major name gave the production a frosty snub: Phil Mickelson. As the film’s co-producer Chad revealed, the journey to assemble the star-studded cast was anything but smooth, and Lefty’s silence stood out the most.

“We got all of them except for Tiger and Phil,” Chad said during the Vanity Index Podcast. “Phil—we asked, and they just didn’t ever engage.”

While Tiger Woods at least considered the offer, Phil’s camp reportedly showed no interest. That silence stung, especially for a film meant to be a celebration of golf’s biggest personalities. With no official explanation, fans are left speculating whether it was personal, political, or scheduling-related. But the lack of Phil’s presence was felt.

Mickelson’s absence left a void no star could fill.

What makes the omission more glaring is the massive effort that went into the cameos. According to Chad, “There were like 29 people on the list… and we got all of them except for Tiger and Phil.” Golf legends like Jack Nicklaus, Jordan Spieth, Xander Schauffele, and even pop icon Bad Bunny made appearances. The producers pulled off a scheduling miracle by aligning the shoot with golf’s brief offseason. That flexibility made it possible for big names like Rory to commit time during their only real downtime of the year.

Mickelson, known for his charismatic personality and fan-favorite status, could’ve brought a unique flair to the movie. His absence became even more noticeable given how much effort was made to coordinate everyone else’s appearance. “The Champion’s Dinner scene alone had 12 to 13 cameos,” Chad noted. “Jack [Nicklaus], Fred Couples, Lee Trevino, Corey Pavin… it was packed.”

For fans familiar with Mickelson’s larger-than-life persona and knack for showmanship, his no-show feels like a missed opportunity. Was it because of his controversial involvement with LIV Golf? Was it scheduling? Or just indifference? Whatever the case, Mickelson’s void was the elephant in the production room.

Pulling off a star-studded miracle without Lefty

Despite the disappointment, the film doesn’t shy away from honoring the greats. “There are some nice homages to Tiger,” Chad shared. A key scene showcases brass busts of golf legends—including Tiger—alongside Happy Gilmore himself. Even without Tiger and Phil on screen, their legacies were subtly baked into the storyline.

Chad opened up about the intricate logistics behind the shoot. The timing was crucial—it fell during the short September-to-December lull when pro golfers have some downtime. That window proved to be a blessing. “We didn’t have a single rainout,” Chad said. “Rory was there for seven days—and he wasn’t doing an eighth. It had to be perfect.”

Jack Nicklaus, the most difficult to get due to his busy schedule, eventually signed on for the champion’s dinner scene—arguably the film’s most iconic setup. With appearances from Fred Couples, Rickie Fowler, Travis Kelce, and even Seth Waugh, the film turned into a who’s who of golf and pop culture.

Tiger’s agent, Mark Steinberg, attended the premiere and praised the final product. “He gave me a big hug and just told me it was awesome,” Chad recalled. Yet even amid this praise and fanfare, the ghost of Mickelson’s absence lingered.

For fans of golf and comedy, Happy Gilmore 2 is still a must-watch romp with plenty of surprises. But behind the laughter and on-screen antics, the making of this film was a logistical puzzle, and Phil’s cold shoulder added one piece that never quite fit.