The sequel was very different from the original.
Joel Dahmen went from unknown PGA Tour pro to fan favorite thanks to his first season in “Full Swing.” There, his comedic stylings were on display as he and caddy Geno Bonaly created a feel-good story.
The second season shows that too much attention has a downside.
“It sucks that I’m famous and popular and I’m playing the worst golf of my career,” Damen said early in the third episode.
People close to Damen say the 36-year-old is dealing with the stress of his newfound fame and struggles on the track, while also juggling the added responsibilities of expecting his first child with wife Rona. While balancing this, he also mentions Damen’s past “trauma.”
“It’s hard to have a child on your own, and it’s hard to change your reputation. So when you add all that up over a three-month period, it probably wouldn’t be a shock if I didn’t play very good golf.” Damen said on the Netflix show.
Damen and Bonalee’s friendship was one of the highlights of the first season, but their relationship appears to be strained as Bonalee complains that Damen is putting her on “cruise control.”
“There’s a lot of eyes on him, but I don’t know if it’s the attention.” [he] I was ready and/or wanted it,” Bonaly said.
The episode focuses on Dahmen’s resistance to seeing a sports psychologist (he had a negative experience with grief counselors after the death of his mother) and Windham Clark’s decision to add a sports psychologist to his team to win the 2023 U.S. Open. Contrast that with the success that contributed to the.
It’s heartbreaking to watch, but Joel, Rona, and Bonaly are all incredibly honest about their struggles, which makes for interesting television.
“There were moments where I was like, ‘Okay, I don’t think you’re doing well,'” Rona said in an on-screen interview. “You’re missing the cut. You’re drinking excessively. Is this normal? Is this how you want to feel? Will this further help your performance, or will it hinder it even more?” You started, and now you’re dragging everyone else down.” It may sound harsh, but it’s our family, so I’m not afraid to say something to my husband. .”
The documentary features numerous missed cuts and half-baked results, starting with the 2023 Players Championship.
As he communicates with Damen and Bonaly on the plane, his emotions reach their peak.
A tearful Bonaly threatens to quit unless Damen sees a sports psychologist.
“When you’re famous for golf, it’s fun because you play well,” Damen tells him. “I shot 76 shots and missed the cut… [it’s] It put me in the worst place of my life. All I want to do is spend time with my kids. ”
