Joel Dahmen had an impressive performance on the third round of the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines, finishing with a two-under 70 and earning a late final-round tee time. Despite bogeying on the 14th and 15th holes, Dahmen managed to birdie-par his way to a tie for fourth place at five under, just four shots behind the 54-hole leader Harris English. As Dahmen sat down for a live TV interview with CBS reporter Amanda Balionis, he reflected on his recent training experience with a Navy SEAL that has helped him improve his mental toughness.
Several months ago, Dahmen’s performance coach suggested that he and his caddie spend a couple of days training with a Navy SEAL to toughen them up mentally. Dahmen spoke about the experiences such as swimming around piers, running on the beach, and diving to the bottom of deep pools during the training. He credits this training for helping him dig deeper than he thought possible and believes it has been instrumental in his recent success on the course. Despite missing the cut in his two previous starts this season, Dahmen is hopeful that his SEALs training will pay off in the final round of the Farmers Insurance Open.
Reflecting on his performance at the RSM Classic at the end of 2024, where he shot a 64 in the final round to secure his PGA Tour card, Dahmen feels confident in his ability to handle the pressure of a final round. He expressed his excitement about the possibility of a potential big finish on Saturday, fueled by the mental toughness gained from his SEALs training. As he looks ahead to Sunday’s final round, Dahmen remains focused on getting off to a strong start and maintaining a calm demeanor on the course.
Dahmen’s experience with the Navy SEAL training has not only enhanced his mental toughness but also strengthened his bond with his caddie. The physical and mental challenges faced during the training have helped Dahmen tap into his reserves and push himself beyond his limits. He believes that the training has equipped him with the tools necessary to handle high-pressure situations on the golf course and remain focused on his game.
As Dahmen continues to climb up the leaderboard at the Farmers Insurance Open, he remains optimistic about his chances for a strong finish. His improved mental toughness, cultivated through his Navy SEAL training, has provided him with the confidence to compete at a high level and contend for the title. With a solid performance in the final round, Dahmen aims to capitalize on his training and prove that he can handle the pressure of competitive golf. As he tees off in the last round, all eyes will be on Dahmen to see if his mental fortitude and training will pay off in a potentially career-changing moment on the course.
