The follow-up installment diverged significantly from its predecessor.
Joel Dahmen underwent a notable transformation from an obscure PGA Tour professional to a beloved figure, courtesy of the initial season of “Full Swing,” where his comedic flair shone through alongside his caddie Geno Bonnalie, crafting a heartwarming narrative.
However, the subsequent season reveals that the increased spotlight has its drawbacks.
Expressing his sentiments early in the third episode, Dahmen lamented, “Me being famous and having all the popularity and playing the worst golf of my career, it sucks.”
The 36-year-old’s inner circle references his past “trauma” as he grapples with the pressures of newfound celebrity status and struggles on the golf course, all while navigating the added complexities of impending fatherhood with his wife Lona.
In a candid moment on the Netflix series, Dahmen remarked, “Having a kid alone would be difficult, having your fame change is difficult, so to add all that together in a three-month span it’s probably not shocking that I didn’t play very good golf.”
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While the camaraderie between Dahmen and Bonnalie stood out in the initial season, their dynamic appears strained as Bonnalie now observes Dahmen coasting in “cruise control.”
Reflecting on the situation, Bonnalie questioned, “There’s so many eyes on him and I am not sure if it was attention [he] was ready for, and/or wanted.”
The episode juxtaposes Dahmen’s reluctance to seek guidance from a sports psychologist — stemming from a negative encounter with a grief counselor following his mother’s passing — with the success enjoyed by Wyndham Clark after incorporating one into his team, culminating in Clark’s victory at the 2023 U.S. Open.
Dahmen’s wife Lona candidly discusses the golfer’s challenges on the show, offering insights into the struggles they faced.
“There are moments where I was like, ‘OK I don’t think you are doing well,” Lona shared in an on-screen interview. “You are missing the cut. You are drinking in excess. Is this normal? Is this how you want to feel? Is this going to help or hinder your performance even more? You are off and now you are dragging everyone else down with you.’ That sounds harsh, but I am not afraid to say something to my husband because it’s our family.”
The documentary captures a series of disappointing performances, commencing with the 2023 Players Championship.
Tensions escalate during a heartfelt conversation between Dahmen and Bonnalie aboard an airplane.
A tearful Bonnalie issues an ultimatum, threatening to resign unless Dahmen agrees to consult a sports psychologist.
Reflecting on his predicament, Dahmen confides, “When you’re golf famous it’s fun because you’re playing good. Shooting 76 and missing the cut… [it’s] put me in the worst spot of my life. All I want to do is hang out with my kid.”