Madison Pool shares a moment with comedy star Adam Sandler on the set of Happy Gilmore
On her very first day working on the set of Happy Gilmore 2, Madison Pool ’21 found herself in a surreal position: the lifelong golfer who grew up watching Adam Sandler’s comedy classic was now standing alongside him, helping make sure the sequel’s golf scenes looked authentic.
Happy Gilmore 2 debuted in August, where it attracted more than 46 million views, according to steamer Netflix.
“It was definitely surreal working with Adam and the other director and producers,” Pool said. “I worked very closely with [director] Nick Goossen, and I was able to learn a lot about the directing process within filmmaking. Everyone is a family, I felt blessed to be welcomed in.”
Alumni Weekend is kicking off on Holy Cross College’s campus this week, with past graduates sharing their own stories and journeys with friends.
Pool, who earned her bachelor’s degree in business with triple minors in epidemiology, biology, and marketing at Holy Cross College, joined the production as the film’s golf consultant, coach, and liaison for professional tour players.
Pool admits she wore multiple hats of responsibility during the production.
“Every day was a different adventure,” she said. ““It was my first movie and hopefully not my last. I’m definitely ready for another one. Toward the end, I felt like I left with so much knowledge.”
Her path to Hollywood started through a mentor in the golf and movie production world. Years of staying connected led to an invitation to join the team, where she quickly discovered that the fast pace of film suited her perfectly.
Following the close of production, Pool could tell people she worked on the film, but she was quiet with her friends about its plot. Friends from Holy Cross have shared their support on her social media account.
Pool credits her Holy Cross experience as an anchor in her professional journey. Growing up in rural Arizona in a hardworking, faith-filled family, she found a similar sense of community at Holy Cross.
“Holy Cross really pushes their community in South Bend, and I don’t think anyone realizes how much everyone around you truly cares about your success—professors, students, coaches,” she said. “That is, until you leave to wherever the world takes you.”
She recently reflected on this during a conversation with Abby Clark, women’s golf coach at Holy Cross. Pool admitted she sometimes wondered if her impact in the world was “big enough.” Coach Clark reminded her of a lesson rooted in Scripture and the Holy Cross mission: Proverbs 27:17. ‘Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens another.’
“Holy Cross teaches us just that small impact on one will become a ripple effect of many,” Pool said. “That man may go and sharpen another man, and so on.”