GOLF IS NOT LIFE AND DEATH
Golf Monthly|August 2023
We speak to popular and self-deprecating American Joel Dahmen about his life as a professional and his Netflix stardom
ANDY WRIGHT
GOLF IS NOT LIFE AND DEATH

Joel Dahmen is 20 minutes late for our interview. It’s part of his new reality, the latest chapter in his life that has seen him become a parent for the first time. It’s a reality that 12 years ago looked uncertain when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer at the age of 23, not long after turning pro and not long after his brother, Zach, received the same startling news. Coming through the other side, though, gave Dahmen a fresh change of perspective to go with his immense talent; a talent that was nurtured during a childhood full of love and golf and that led to PGA Tour success.

The early years 

Dahmen grew up in Clarkston, Washington, a small town in America’s north-west, where his dad was the driving force behind the family introductions to the game. First, his mum, then later Joel, who quickly developed a knack for it.

“I was fortunate enough to grow up with a loving family,” Dahmen says. “My dad played when he was growing up, he really got into it after high school, and then he met my mum and got her into playing golf. “My dad was just a golf junkie, and he still is. I was a natural at it – I got pretty good early and it was just what we did as a family. I didn’t really know anything else before. I started swinging the club when I was walking and it took off from there. I wasn’t big enough to play any other sports at a high level. I had other plans when I was young, but my dad always knew what was going on in the golf world.”

Denne historien er fra August 2023-utgaven av Golf Monthly.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra August 2023-utgaven av Golf Monthly.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA GOLF MONTHLYSe alt
How to organise the perfect golf day
Golf Monthly

How to organise the perfect golf day

Golf Monthly's guide to arranging and running a memorable and successful event

time-read
7 mins  |
September 2024
A LEGEND
Golf Monthly

A LEGEND

Michael Weston makes a pilgrimage to Pedrena in Spain to visit Seve's family home and talk about his life and legacy with his children

time-read
9 mins  |
September 2024
"THESE ARE THE MOMENTS I LIVE FOR"
Golf Monthly

"THESE ARE THE MOMENTS I LIVE FOR"

Alison Root sits down for a chat with Anna Nordqvist, the three-time Major Champion and first playing assistant captain in Solheim Cup history

time-read
6 mins  |
September 2024
STOKE PARK
Golf Monthly

STOKE PARK

I never expected to write about Stoke Park again after its closure in 2021, but it seems reports of its death have been greatly exaggerated.

time-read
6 mins  |
September 2024
PEAK AT THE OF HIS POWERS
Golf Monthly

PEAK AT THE OF HIS POWERS

Scottie Scheffler is a remarkable golfer who is well on his way to becoming an all-time great. Michael Weston analyses his accomplishments and explores his life to date...

time-read
8 mins  |
September 2024
A CLUB-FITTING DEBUT
Golf Monthly

A CLUB-FITTING DEBUT

Nick Bonfield, a 9.4-handicapper, had no previous experience of being fitted for irons prior to his visit to Gainsborough. How did the custom-fit rookie find the whole process?

time-read
3 mins  |
August 2024
ALL BASES COVERED
Golf Monthly

ALL BASES COVERED

The new range of irons from Ping caters for golfers of all abilities, with crisp, clean looks and design complemented by various clever performance-enhancing technologies

time-read
3 mins  |
August 2024
TIMING IS EVERYTHING
Golf Monthly

TIMING IS EVERYTHING

With the AIG Women's Open at St Andrews, the Olympics and the Solheim Cup still to come, Georgia Hall has everything in place for a summer charge

time-read
9 mins  |
August 2024
GOLD STANDARD
Golf Monthly

GOLD STANDARD

The Olympic golf tournaments for men and women take place at Le Golf National near Paris from August 1 to 10. Fergus Bisset gives the lowdown on golf at the Games

time-read
9 mins  |
August 2024
BEST LAID PLANS
Golf Monthly

BEST LAID PLANS

Bill Elliott looks forward to another gruelling week of golf at Royal Troon, where the world's finest players are always tested to their limits

time-read
8 mins  |
August 2024