The late, great “Price is Right” host Bob Barker isn’t the only cast member remembered fondly in Happy Gilmore 2. So, too, is Dan Baker, a longtime executive with the PGA of America, who died tragically in a car accident in December. He was 58.
Baker, who spent nearly 17 years with the PGA, served as a consultant to the film, helping to ensure the making of ‘Happy Gilmore 2’ had a certain authenticity among golfers. He was on set as a second set of eyes for director Kyle Newacheck to make sure the golf scenes measured up to par.
“They were looking for someone who has been in golf and knows how golf tournaments and golf clubs work, someone who can help them make the movie look realistic,” Baker said in October.
That role was right up Baker’s alley. A Connecticut native and former club professional, Baker served as championship director of the 1999 Ryder Cup and then served for several years as championship director of the PGA Tour’s Travelers Championship. In a story in the newsletter Power Fades, shortly before his death, he noted the similarities between making a movie and putting on a golf tournament.
“They have a lot of fun for sure, but it’s like a traveling circus that they take on the road. In many ways, it reminds me of a golf championship that is conducted every week. There’s a level of intensity every day and the work days are 13 hours,” Baker said. “It’s just so interesting to see so many people involved in making a scene just right.”
Baker’s contributions to ‘Happy Gilmore 2’ are highlighted in the credits: “Dan’s love of the game was only matched by his love of life. The fairways won’t be the same without him but his legacy will always walk beside us.”
Maddie Pool, who said ‘Happy Gilmore 2’ was her first movie, gave a shout-out to Baker on Instagram, calling him “a ray of sunshine who is watching down laughing with us.”
The PGA also paid tribute to Baker’s role: “Dan was an integral part of the film, with producers leaning on him and his deep golf and tournament experience to bring the movie to life. We know Dan would’ve been so proud to see Happy Gilmore 2 in its final cut — and how excited the golf world is to watch it.For those looking to join in honoring Dan’s legacy, you’re welcome to make a donation at our link in bio to the Dan Baker PGA Jr. League at @theparkwestpalm, to help aspiring junior golfers reach their dreams.”
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