Episode 4 of Netflix’s Full Swing docuseries about the PGA Tour features one of the tour’s lesser-known but much-loved players Joel Dahmen. Warning – stop reading now if you want to avoid Full Swing spoilers!
Dahmen is a one-time PGA Tour winner and is known for being a very down-to-earth guy but Imposter Syndrome offers a fascinating look inside the mind of what is one of pro golf’s most modest and self-doubting players.
It focusses on his home life, with he and wife Lona expecting their first child, his relationship with his caddie Geno Bonnalie and his experience at the US Open, where he records his second ever Major top-10 after briefly holding the lead.
Episode 4 is a real tear jerker, with the American revealing how his life was completely turned upside down when his mother died within six months of being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He was then diagnosed with testicular cancer in his early professional days after somehow finding his way towards the sport’s elite level despite the huge tragedy in his life. Dahmen discusses his ordeal with losing his mother and then dealing with cancer and you might just need a box of tissues.
Joel’s bag man Geno features a lot in this episode as it’s hard to really think about one without the other once you get to know their friendship. They’ve known each other since they were kids growing up in Washington state and Joel fights back tears when he starts to read out Geno’s incredible job application.
“I can’t believe I’m getting emotional. That’s how much I love Geno”
The story of how Geno became my caddie is interesting,” Dahmen explains. “Basically he had this email that he sent to me.”
Full Swing then intertwines footage of the pair each reading sections of the letter:
“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.
“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.”
Joel and Geno at the Full Swing premiere
(Image credit: Getty Images)
“I can’t believe I’m getting emotional,” Dahmen says in the documentary, holding back tears. “That’s how much I love Geno.”
“And I hired him, obviously.”
The pair clearly have a bond unlike many other player-caddie relationships in pro golf. They…
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