US golfer Joel Dahmen was featured in the brand new Netflix golf documentary Full Swing. He appears in Episode 4 of the series and a lot of things about the much-loved golfer are revealed.
Note: There may be a few *spoilers* ahead if you are yet to watch the show.
Joel Dahmen has won one PGA Tour event and is known for being a very humble and grounded person. He featured in Episode 4, titled 'Imposter Syndrome', of Full Swing. The episode explored the golfer's personal life, including the fact that he and wife Lona are expecting their first child, his relationship with caddie Geno Bonnalie, and his experience at the US Open, where he finished in the top 10 after briefly holding the lead.
He further revealed how Bonnalie came to be his caddie. He said:
"The story of how Geno became my caddie is interesting. Basically he had this email that he sent to me."
The episode intercuts footage of Joel Dahmen and Bonnalie each reading sections of an emotional email.
"First off I want to tell you how proud of you I am. Not only do I think you're going to make the big time, I truly believe you're one of the best players in the world."
He further said:
"That being said, I'd like to officially apply for the position of Joel Dahmen's caddie. I just want what's best for you and I truly believe that you and I would thrive together. I already have a plan to get rid of my truck and buy a Honda Civic and modify it to be my house."
Dahmen got emotional reading the letter as he said while holding back his tears:
"I can't believe I'm getting emotional. That's how much I love Geno. And I hired him, obviously."
"I need a lot of stars to align in one week" - Joel Dahmen on the US Open
The episode then followed Joel Dahmen and Geno Bonnalie as they competed in the US Open Final Qualifying. It is revealed that Dahmen was initially unsure about entering. After a poor first 18, some White Claws at lunch, and a brilliant second round, however, he eventually made it through to take one of the 13 spots.
Dahmen wasn't even sure he would make the second round, but he shot up the leaderboard to secure his spot at Brookline for his third appearance in the US Open.
Episode 4, or 'Imposter Syndrome', of Full Swing covered Dahmen's progress from qualifying into the actual event to making it into the halfway lead. The episode followed him for the rest of the week as he competed.
He talked about playing and possibly winning the US Open, saying:
"Am I ready to win a Major? I don't know if I'm good enough. I need a lot of stars to align in one week."
He further said:
"It wasn't long ago I wasn't gonna qualify and now I'm here and I've kinda said this multiple times that I'm pretty good at golf. I always believe that but I probably need to believe it a little more. So maybe I'll start speaking it out loud more often."
Joel Dahmen did not win the US Open, but he was awarded $400,000. And after the release of his episode on the Netflix docuseries, he and Geno Bonnalie will surely receive a lot of love and appreciation.