Other than his otherworldly skill at golf, Joel Dahmen is just like us. A native of Clarkston, Wash. (population 7,229), he likes cold beer and football and, presumably, apple pie. While Tiger Woods’s maniacal workouts produced a physique that resembles a martini glass, Dahmen is unbothered by his dad bod. Think of him as the pro next door. 

When we launched our new podcast “Need A 4th?!,” co-hosted by Geoff Ogilvy, Michael Bamberger and me, the idea was to bring aboard eclectic guests for wide-ranging conversations about golf and life, not necessarily in that order. Upcoming episodes will feature Michael Murphy, the ageless author of “Golf In the Kingdom“; R.E.M bassist Mike Mills; polarizing Golf Channel analyst Brandel Chamblee; NFL guru Trey Wingo; and Jaime Diaz, who for four decades has been among the most thoughtful voices on the golf beat. But we liked Dahmen as our debut guest because there is no one in golf who doesn’t love the guy.

In this episode Dahmen speaks candidly about his long road to the PGA Tour and the stress that comes with having to fight for his job. He talks about what he learned moonlighting as a caddie for a friend at Q school, and takes listeners behind the scenes of Max Homa’s baby shower. As a member of the Player Advisory Council, Dahmen sheds light on the Tour’s boardroom machinations and what Jay Monahan is like behind closed doors. At every turn he is self-deprecating and amusing. 

This podcast is also a chance to enjoy the chemistry of the co-hosts, with Michael’s intellectual curiosity leading to probing questions and Geoff’s insider knowledge engaging Dahmen on a deep level. Alan make the trains run on time and enjoys his colleagues’ diversions as much as the guest’s. We’re pretty sure you will enjoy this conversation, and all the ones to follow. Need a good listen? Allow us to offer, “Need A 4th?!”

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