Adam Sandler’s tweet sends 2021 Masters into meltdown
Adam Sandler has sent the Masters into hysterics with a cheeky takedown of the unknown star that has rocketed to popularity this week.
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Will Zalatoris is laughing all the way to the bank.
The surprise cult figure became the lightning rod for jokes this week at the Masters, but he is walking away with a cool $1.7 million after finishing second on the leaderboard after Monday morning’s final round.
It came after Hollywood star Adam Sandler sent the Masters into hysterics with a hilarious pot-shot at the contender on the final day of action at Augusta.
The 24-year-old rookie briefly emerged as the story of the event when he surged into outright second-place behind leader Hideki Matsuyama, who won by just one stroke over the American.
His strong front nine had golf commentators reaching for the record books to see when a rookie had last won golf’s most prestigious event — 1979.
It had other fans — and Sandler — reaching for their phones to search “Happy Gilmore caddie” after fans pointed out the striking similarity between Zalatoris and the hilarious cameo played by a teenage caddie in the hit film Happy Gilmore.
The character, played by Jared Van Snellenberg, was Gilmore’s caddie in the Waterbury Open before being replaced by a homeless window washer for the remainder of the movie.
“Have fun today young man,” Gilmore wrote in a viral post on Twitter alongside a photo of Zalatoris.
“Mr. Gilmore is watching you and very proud.”
Have fun today young man. Mr. Gilmore is watching you and very proud. pic.twitter.com/iwOEuMdR8W
— Adam Sandler (@AdamSandler) April 11, 2021
Zalatoris replied: “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.”
It is a resemblance Zalatoris has never shied away from, instead embracing it in writing with the caddie’s quote from the famous film on his wedge.
Fore, please.
— GOLF.com (@GOLF_com) April 11, 2021
Now driving, Mr. Gilmore's caddy, Will Zalatoris. pic.twitter.com/gv5SlVUSQk
Zalatoris reached nine-under early in his round but slipped back through the pack at the start of the back nine.
Birdies at the 15th and 17th got him back to nine-under. He went into the clubhouse at nine under after a final round 70, putting the heat on Matsuyama who was at 11-under with two holes to play.
With all the pressure on Matsuyama’s shoulders to close it out, it was only a nervous short-range putt that saved the Japanese star from a play-off with Zalatoris.
He goes down as yet another famous story from the iconic Augusta National course.
Originally published as Adam Sandler’s tweet sends 2021 Masters into meltdown
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