Netflix just dropped the trailer for Happy Gilmore 2, and golf fans are pumped. The sequel to the 1996 comedy hits screens on July 25th. Adam Sandler is back as the hot-headed hockey player turned golfer. Pros are sharing their excitement on social media. But one reaction is causing a stir among golf fans.

LIV Golf star Brooks Koepka decided to share the trailer on his Twitter account today, but it wasn’t just the share that caught people’s attention. It was his caption, “Bout time we got some real golfers on tour.” Needless to say, this immediately triggered a wave of responses from fans who interpreted it as a not-so-subtle jab at PGA Tour players. The five-time major champion’s comment, seemingly innocent on the surface, quickly ignited a firestorm amongst the fans.

Koepka’s sarcastic remark appears to be a direct counterpunch to a narrative that has dogged LIV Golf since its inception—that its players aren’t “real golfers” anymore. Critics have repeatedly questioned the competitive legitimacy of LIV events, pointing to the shorter 54-hole format, no-cut tournaments, and smaller fields as evidence that LIV players have chosen money over authentic competition. By flipping this criticism on its head, Koepka seems to be taking a deliberate swipe at those who’ve questioned his competitive credibility since leaving the PGA Tour.

This pointed jab also comes amid swirling rumors that Koepka might be considering a return to the PGA Tour if merger talks completely collapse as his contract with LIV runs through 2026. His provocative social media presence has become a pattern, seemingly designed to shut down any speculation about potential regrets or a desire to return to traditional Tour golf. For example, when he wrote on Instagram before heading to Singapore, “Right where I want to be.” Notably, there is heightened tension in professional golf’s fractured landscape right now, and this narrative just adds to it.

Despite President Donald Trump hosting two rounds of high-profile talks with Jay Monahan and other key stakeholders, the much-anticipated merger between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour appears to have reached a stalemate. Adding fuel to the fire are Rory McIlroy’s recent comments about Tour not needing a deal. “I think the narrative around golf, I wouldn’t say needs a deal, I think the narrative around golf would welcome a deal in terms of just having all the best players together again. But I don’t think the PGA Tour needs a deal. I think the momentum is pretty strong,” he said.

And now, what seemed like a simple promotion of a comedy film has instead reopened wounds in the golf community that are still far from healed.

Fan reactions highlight the ongoing golf divide

The responses to Koepka’s post reveal just how deeply the LIV-PGA Tour divide still runs among golf fans. One particularly pointed comment read, “We had plenty until some of them decided to bail…” clearly referencing Koepka’s departure alongside other top players like Jon Rahm. Bryson DeChambeau, and others who left the PGA Tour for LIV Golf’s lucrative contracts. One reply had the same emotion, stating bluntly, “Used to have a lot more….” Well, that is true! 

Another fan simply pointed out the irony in his statement with, “You aren’t even on tour,” reminding Koepka of the truth. Some responses didn’t mince words, with one particularly heated reply simply stating, “Shut up you FRAUD,” capturing the raw emotions that still surround players who left for LIV Golf.

Others got more personal, questioning the performance of Koepka’s fellow LIV players with comments like, “Why isn’t your so-called friend Bryson playing better golf on LIV.” DeChambeau and Koepka have a long history of being at each other’s throats. All is sorted between them now, though. This fan opted to call out the 2024 US Open winner, representing if LIV is a real deal then DeChambeau should be playing a lot better than he is right now. A few took a more humorous approach, with one fan channeling Christopher McDonald’s iconic “Shooter McGavin” character from the original film: “Gilmore needs to go away. Listen to what I say, or you’ll pay. This is Shooter’s tour.”

Perhaps the most cutting response came from a fan who noted, “At least he’s honest about which league is THE TOUR. 😂”—pointing out that even in his criticism, Koepka still referred to the PGA as “the tour,” inadvertently acknowledging its status in the golf world.

As the excitement for Happy Gilmore 2 continues to build, Koepka’s attempt at humor has instead highlighted just how deep the divisions within professional golf remain. Will fans forget this social media spat by the time Sandler’s character tees it up on screen? Or does it reveal that reconciliation between golf’s warring factions remains further away than we thought? The comments section is all yours to express your views.