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‘I’m Not Going to Become Wyndham Clark’: Joel Dahmen Embraces Own Flaws Despite PLAYERS Championship Success

Published 03/18/2024, 7:30 AM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

The Netflix docu-series ‘Full Swing’ has brought a plethora of attention to Joel Dahmen’s life, which was a mystery to most before. At first, it brought the American golfer much-deserved recognition and fame. However, after a while, it became a bit of a nuisance in his life. In the third episode of season 2 titled Mind Game, Dahmen talked about how he had all the attention of the golf world yet he was playing his worst golf.

In the same episode, Wyndham Clark, who has been through a similar situation as Dahmen also vocalized struggling mentally. However, Clark has started to find himself again and finishing better in his recent games. Following the conclusion of THE PLAYERS championship, Dahmen praised the 30-year-old for his turnaround and clarified that Clark is in a league above him.

Dahmen gets candid about the state of his game; “That’s just not in me”

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The change in Wyndham Clark’s game was in part attributed to his sports psychologist, Julie. Coincidentally, Dahmen was also suggested to get help, though, he was hesitant about it as a bad experience during his school years scared him off from psychologists. Now, after playing at THE PLAYERS Championship, the 33-year-old made a significant turnaround in his game. On day one, Dahmen was T109 on the leaderboard. However, after round four, he finished T11 and 8 strokes behind the leader.

Moreover, he was leading in strokes gained despite Scottie Scheffler winning THE PLAYERS Championship. Even then, Dahmen doesn’t believe his game could be the same as Clark who was the runner-up. After the conclusion of the third round, Dahmen gave an interview and shared his honest thoughts about his game. “Wyndham Clark always had this top 10, winning majors in him. He was always one of the best amateurs in the world, he was a world beater. This sports psychologist got him over the line probably and helped a little bit,” the 36-year-old reflected.

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Talking about the similarity between himself and Clark, “But just because I start talking to a sports psychologist,” Dahmen clarified, “doesn’t mean I’m going to start winning majors. I still am who I am. My good golf is sneaking into the top 50, I’m aware of it.” He pressed that even after seeking help, things will not dramatically change. “Well, I’m not going to hit it 330 all of a sudden and make every putt. That’s just not in me. I can get better at what I do but I’m not going to become Wyndham Clark,” Dahmen explained.

Joel Dahmen as self-depreciating as he can be, was fully aware of his skills in comparison to Wyndham Clark. However, he wasn’t worried about his game as was shown in the episode. Dahmen assured his fans that he was doing much better and sometimes, it comes out way worse on TV than in reality.

Joel Dahmen talks about his mental health

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It looked as if Dahmen would take a lengthy period to recover from his bad form. However, he has taken a step to see a sports psychologist and get better. Though, “I don’t think I was ever in that bad of a spot,” said Dahmen explaining his condition.

Joel Dahmen WITB 2024: PGA Tour Star’s Golf Bag Explored

Right now, he clarified and assured the thousands of his fans that “There was a rough couple of weeks but not as bad as it made out to be. I’m in a way better head space.” And being back on the PGA Tour means, getting back to his business of enjoying golf. Dahmen said, “I’m back to being who I am and enjoying playing golf on the PGA Tour.”

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The difference in his demeanor mirrors where his game is at and how secure and aware he is of it. Regardless, the nonchalant and endearing character of Joel Dahmen is here to stay as he has better control of his mental struggles.

“It’s Hilarious”: After a Sudden Surge in His Fame, Netflix Star Joel Dahmen’s Untold Story Gets Revealed; Behest of an Old Mate

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Written by:

Khambe Huda Imran

808Articles

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Huda Khambe is a Golf Writer for EssentiallySports. Growing up watching Tiger Woods and Annika Sorenstam bag one major after the other, Huda Khambe set herself on a path to becoming a sports writer early on. With a year of prior experience in writing, Huda now brings the greens to life with her unique insights on her favorite storylines, such as Jack Nicklaus's record rivalry with Tiger Woods and its impact on both stars.
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Edited by:

Aakash Nair

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