Happy Gilmore is a 1996 comedy film starring Adam Sandler. The movie was a huge hit, boosting Sandler’s star power, and both golf and The Price Is Right saw a boost in viewership. Sandler plays the character of Happy Gilmore, who took his unsuccessful hockey skills to the world of golf in an effort to save his Grandmother’s home. Happy Gilmore was filmed in a variety of locations in the Vancouver area.
Swaneset Bay Golf Course and Country Club
The majority of golf scenes in Happy Gilmore were filmed at the Swaneset Bay Golf Course in Pitt Meadows, British Columbia. The club house and it’s grounds are featured multiple times throughout the film. The back of the clubhouse is very picturesque and has wonderful views of the golf course.
The club’s main hall was also used for filming some interior shots. When I visited, they were setting up for an event, so I wasn’t able to get the best angles, but these photos will give you an idea.
Various camera angles and settings were used to make the golf course appear as several courses throughout the golf season.
The Club management allowed me to visit and take photos when I was visiting the area in 2021. If you’d like to visit, you can check out their website and book tee times here.
Furry Creek Golf Course
The scenes featuring Happy playing golf with Bob Barker were filmed at the scene Furry Creek Golf Course, along the shores of Howe Sound Bay. Unfortunately I didn’t have time to visit, but you can check out details and book tee times here.
Grandma Gilmore’s House
Grandma Gilmore’s house, which Happy is trying to save by playing golf, is located in Vancouver. The house is seen several times during the film, including the final scenes. Please remember the house is a private residence.
The Seniors Residence
The seniors residence where Grandma stays is the old Riverview Hospital in Coquitlam, BC. This abandoned hospital feels creepy and haunted, but the space was the perfect area for filming. Some of the hospital’s space was used to set up interior sets for filming as well. The facility has been used for a number of other productions, including Riverdale.
