Joel Dahmen may have finished tied for second at the Corales Puntacana Championship, but it’s his brutal honesty and accountability that are earning him respect across the golf world. After an impressive, bogey-free start through the first two rounds, Dahmen’s performance faltered in the final stretch. With six bogeys in the final round—including three straight on holes 16, 17, and 18—he let the win slip away and ultimately lost to Garrick Higgo.
After the tournament, the 37-year-old didn’t sugarcoat his disappointment. “I think I’m in a little bit of shock, honestly. It’s not how you win a golf tournament, I’ll tell you that. I don’t deserve to win it,” Dahmen admitted. He specifically called his bogeys on the final three holes “inexcusable,” explaining that he was in good position on 16 and made avoidable mistakes. On 17, a missed short putt hinted at nerves, which he openly acknowledged as something he’s “prone to at times.”
This tournament marked his closest attempt at victory since his only PGA Tour win in 2021—also at the Corales Puntacana event. Despite going winless for four years, this T2 finish is his best of the season so far and a sign that he might be close to breaking through again.
Joel Dahmen with a brutally honest self-assessment after bogeying the final three holes at the Corales Puntacana which included a missed a putt under 2-feet to finish T2, “I don’t deserve to win it, bogeying the last three is inexcusable.” pic.twitter.com/RYM0fMT5zr
— Chris McKee (@mrmckee) April 20, 2025
Dahmen’s final-round 76 followed excellent scores of 62 and 66 in the first two rounds. His bogey on 18, after missing an 8-foot par putt, sealed his fate. Still, fans praised his accountability, especially in contrast to players like Brooks Koepka or Rory McIlroy, who have previously declined to speak to the media after disappointing finishes. One fan wrote, “Respect for the honesty. Didn’t make excuses, faced the media and just owned it.”
Others echoed this support, noting his humility and willingness to analyze his own mistakes. One comment read, “Good for him for speaking to the media. Rory and Collin would’ve flown out of town immediately.” Another fan said, “Hard not to have a f–k ton of respect for him after watching that. Count me as a fan.”
Dahmen himself reflected deeply on his struggles, admitting it may have been a lapse in concentration. “It’s not like a yippee thing… just bad time to do it,” he said of his costly finish.
While the outcome was tough, Joel Dahmen’s transparency, introspection, and resilience have won over a growing base of supporters. And if he can keep up this level of play, that elusive second win may be just around the corner.