Joel Dahmen's Emotional Cut Survival Sets Stage for Career-Defining Final Round
Joel Dahmen faces a crucial final round at the RSM Classic, battling to maintain his PGA Tour status for 2025. Currently ranked 124th in the FedEx Cup Fall standings, Dahmen narrowly made the cut with a nerve-wracking two-putt from 55 feet on Friday.
After an emotional Friday where Dahmen fought back tears discussing the support of his family and team, he delivered a mixed performance in Saturday's third round. His steady play of 10 consecutive pars was highlighted by two birdies, but a costly double bogey on the par-5 7th hole dropped him down the leaderboard.
Entering Sunday's final round, Dahmen needs approximately a 40th place finish to secure the 13.1 FedEx Cup points required to maintain his full Tour status. He currently trails Sam Ryder by 13 points for the crucial 125th position.
The pressure intensifies as several players, including Michael Thorbjornsen, Daniel Berger, Henrik Norlander, and Hayden Springer, have made significant moves up the standings this week. Dahmen will likely need to shoot in the mid-60s during the final round to secure his Tour card for next season.
This high-stakes situation mirrors scenarios featured in Netflix's Full Swing, where Dahmen has previously discussed the immense pressure of playing for Tour status. His caddie Geno Bonnalie, family, and fellow Tour players, including Mark Hubbard, have been following his journey closely as he fights to maintain his position on the PGA Tour.