"Am I Big Enough Deal in Golf World to...": PGA Tour Winner Reveals Growing Self-Doubt Lately
Silhouette asian golfer playing golf during beautiful sunset,Thailand people model released
Silhouette asian golfer playing golf during beautiful sunset,Thailand people model released
In a candid interview with analyst Dan Rapaport, PGA Tour winner Joel Dahmen revealed a growing self-doubt that has him uncertain about his schedule and future on the Tour.
The moment began when the host recalled Dahmen’s reply to appearing on Dan on Golf on YouTube. "You said, 'Am I a big enough deal in the golf world to warrant an interview?' So, I got to ask, are you in your feels a little bit right now?" asked the analyst.
Although Joel Dahmen laughed in response, he did open up about hitting a rough patch. “Yeah. It’s a weird time for me.” Dahmen said opening up about feeling uncertain. However, it wasn't like this.
He is a PGA Tour winner, having claimed the 2021 Corales Puntacana Championship. And has spent close to a decade playing full-time on Tour.
DUBLIN, OH - JUNE 02: Joel Dahmen talks with his caddie, Geno Bonnalie on the 12th hole during Friday s round at The Memorial Tournament presented by Workday at Muirfield Village Country Club on June 2, 2023 in Dublin, OH. Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire GOLF: JUN 02 PGA, Golf Herren - the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon230602015
DUBLIN, OH - JUNE 02: Joel Dahmen talks with his caddie, Geno Bonnalie on the 12th hole during Friday s round at The Memorial Tournament presented by Workday at Muirfield Village Country Club on June 2, 2023 in Dublin, OH. Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire GOLF: JUN 02 PGA, Golf Herren - the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon230602015
"This feels really different for me for the first time in whatever it’s been, nine or 10 years," said the veteran who lost his PGA Tour Pro card after two shots outside of the cutline. "So I just don’t really know what I’m getting into," he added.
Why Dahmen’s Uncertainty Matters on the PGA Tour?
He pointed out that the issue is with the structure of it. The players who are at the top of the hierarchy of the tour are the first ones to get their choice of events and planning cycles, and they also have the most intensive preparations.
“It’s hard to schedule,” Dahmen said. “I put myself in this position, but yeah… am I getting into events? I don’t know where I’m at.” Players who don't have long-term exemptions or good FedExCup standings can quickly lose their tournament access.
The instability there can be seen in their day-to-day decisions. “How hard should I be preparing?” Dahmen asked. “What should I be doing out at home?” Dahmen didn’t deflect responsibility. “I put myself in this position,” he said, acknowledging that performance dictates opportunity. His remarks, however, emphasize a truth about the PGA Tour.
Old victories offer no surety for the future. He may have earned the "The People's Champion," moniker, but the PGA Tour only rewards consistent scores. It was a sobering realization that security does not last long, not even for those who have always been successful.
Written by
Dolly Bhamrick
Edited by
Sagnik Bagchi