The PGA Tour is full of camaraderie and support among players, as shown by the reactions of Mark Hubbard and Joel Dahmen’s caddie when Dahmen barely made the cut at the RSM Classic. Dahmen entered the tournament ranked 124th in the FedEx Cup standings, putting his full status for the next season at risk. Despite the pressure, he managed to make the cut, but knew he still had a lot of work to do to secure his spot for next season.
The competition at the RSM Classic was intense, with many players in the 120-140 range vying for a chance to move up in the standings and secure their playing privileges for the following year. Dahmen played alongside some of these players but managed to make the cut with a nervy five-foot putt. He acknowledged the stress his loved ones were feeling, knowing they were also living and dying with every shot he took.
Dahmen’s awareness of the pressure he was under was evident as he compared it to sleeping on the lead of a major championship. He knew he had two more steps to go before securing his spot for next season and was determined to perform well in the remaining rounds of the tournament. Despite starting his third round with 10 straight pars, he managed to add a few birdies to set himself up for a solid finish.
However, Dahmen’s hopes took a hit on the 16th hole of his third round when he made a double bogey, dropping him further down the leaderboard and the FedEx Cup rankings. With one more round to play, he needed to earn as many FedEx Cup points as possible to move up in the standings and secure his spot as Mr. 125. Finishing in the top 40 would likely be enough to achieve this goal, but the pressure and stress were weighing heavily on him.
As the final round approached, Dahmen knew he had one last chance to make a statement and secure his spot for the next season. With a slim margin of just 13 FedEx Cup points separating him from the player in 125th place, he needed to focus on a strong finish to achieve his goal. The support from his caddie, family, and friends was crucial during this stressful time, and Dahmen was determined to give it his all in the final round.
In the end, Dahmen’s perseverance paid off as he managed to secure his spot as Mr. 125 with a solid finish in the final round of the RSM Classic. Despite the ups and downs of the tournament and the pressure he faced, he was able to come through when it mattered the most. The support and camaraderie among players on the PGA Tour is evident in moments like these, where players rally around each other in times of need. Dahmen’s journey at the RSM Classic was a testament to his resilience and determination to succeed in the face of adversity.