Joel Dahmen, known for his popular player-caddie relationship with Geno Bonnalie, had his longtime swing instructor Rob Rashell caddying for him during a recent tournament. This change was due to Bonnalie being in Italy to celebrate his wife’s birthday. Despite missing Bonnalie, Dahmen appreciated having Rashell on the bag, as he has been Dahmen’s coach for over nine years and knows his game inside and out. Rashell’s coaching background and different perspective provided a fresh voice for Dahmen to listen to during the tournament.
During the round, Dahmen shot a impressive 5-under 67, which included some remarkable shots such as a chip-in, a hole out from 90 yards, and a long 30-foot putt. Rashell’s presence proved to be a calming influence on Dahmen, helping him focus and execute his shots effectively. According to Dahmen, Rashell’s approach in providing targets and advice was like a supportive spouse, guiding him in a way that felt like it was his own idea to adjust his strategy.
At one point during the round, Dahmen admitted feeling frustrated after hitting into the water on one hole and failing to make birdie on the next. However, Rashell’s advice to stay patient helped Dahmen regain his composure and focus, leading to a remarkable turnaround in his performance. Following Rashell’s guidance, Dahmen holed his second shot for an eagle on the 13th hole and sank a long birdie putt on the 14th hole, showcasing his resilience and ability to bounce back from setbacks.
Reflecting on the round, Dahmen acknowledged the impact of having a different perspective from his coach on the bag, as opposed to his usual caddie. He noted that while he might brush off advice from a friend like Bonnalie, he found it harder to ignore Rashell’s guidance during the tournament. This dynamic helped Dahmen stay mentally sharp and make strategic decisions that ultimately paid off in his strong performance on the course.
Despite missing Bonnalie’s presence and camaraderie on the bag, Dahmen appreciated the opportunity to work with Rashell and gain insights from his experienced coaching background. The collaboration between Dahmen and Rashell showcased the importance of having a supportive team and a variety of perspectives in professional golf. As Dahmen continues to compete on the PGA Tour, his ability to adapt and thrive with different caddies and mentors will serve him well in achieving his goals and continuing to excel in the sport.
