SCOTTSDALE, AZ — In a heartbreaking collision of triumph and tragedy, professional golfer Joel Dahmen was involved in a fatal car crash late Wednesday night, mere hours after receiving the sponsor exemption he had passionately sought for the Waste Management Phoenix Open.
The 36-year-old fan favorite, known as much for his everyman persona and self-deprecating humor as his resilient play, was driving near the TPC Scottsdale area when the accident occurred shortly after 11 p.m. Local authorities confirmed that the collision involved two vehicles and resulted in one fatality—the driver of the other car. Dahmen was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The name of the deceased has not been released pending notification of family.
The news sent shockwaves through the golf world, casting a pall over the typically raucous “Greatest Show on Grass,” which begins next week. Earlier in the day, Dahmen had publicly celebrated the news of his exemption on social media, posting a video of himself jubilantly pumping his fist with the caption, “Dreams come true! See you in Phoenix! #WMPO.”
“Our hearts are shattered,” said a statement from tournament chairman Scott Jenkins. “Just hours ago, we were thrilled to welcome Joel back to our event, a player who embodies the spirit and energy our fans love. Now, our entire focus shifts to supporting Joel, his wife Lona, and all those affected by this devastating accident. We ask for privacy and prayers for everyone involved.”
Dahmen, a one-time PGA Tour winner at the 2021 Corales Puntacana Championship, has become a beloved figure for his relatable journey and openness about his past struggles, including his battle with testicular cancer. His story was amplified by the Netflix series “Full Swing,” which highlighted his emotional win and his close bond with caddie and best friend, Geno Bonnalie.
Bonnalie, reached by phone, was emotional. “He’s shaken up, obviously. Physically, he’s going to be okay. But Joel… he’s the kind of guy who feels everything deeply. To get that exemption, something he really wanted, and then for this to happen… it’s just cruel. We’re all in disbelief.”
The golf community reacted with an outpouring of grief and support on social media. Fellow pro Max Homa wrote, “Absolutely gutted by this news. Joel is one of the best people out here. Sending all my love to him and his family.” PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan released a statement saying, “We are providing Joel and his family with our full support. This is a profound tragedy, and we are holding the family of the deceased in our thoughts.”
The Phoenix Open, known for its stadium-style 16th hole and boisterous crowds, will now move forward under a cloud. While Dahmen’ physical recovery may be swift, the psychological and emotional toll of the incident is immeasurable. Questions about his participation, should he be medically cleared, remain unanswered.
For now, the golf world is left to grapple with the starkest of juxtapositions: the green of a coveted opportunity, now stained with tears. The celebration of a dream realized has been silenced by the grim reality of a life lost, leaving a tournament and a sport to mourn in the shadow of what should have been a week of unbridled joy.