Dadcore, Bucket Hats and Bushmills with Joel Dahmen

Joel Dahmen carries an aura like no-one else on the PGA TOUR. With a laid-back attitude and a signature bucket hat shaped like a Porsche 911, there’s a natural rhythm and finesse to his game that has made him one of the most recognized and prominent players on tour.

After getting his first win in 2021 at the Corales Puntacana Resort and Club Championship, then sharing his story with Netflix on Full Swing, Dahmen quickly became a leading name with a growing dedicated fan base. His straightforward and kind hearted spirit has made him a trusted and sought after voice in major golf conversation and news today.

Next to his fun loving nature, Dahmen carries an immense amount of style, both in how he dresses and how he plays the game. His swing, especially with the driver, is the reason his peers consider his golf game an artform. Complementing this, his fits are an extension of his personality, often times sporting his signature bucket hat. But don’t let his cool and calm demeanor fool you. Dahmen is a true competitor, and when he’s in the zone, the environment he has designed only works to his advantage, catapulting him to the top of the leaderboard.

Recognizing his unique approach to the game, Bushmills Irish Whiskey has officially announced a partnership with Dahmen to guide the brand into the world of golf with his own signature cocktail. As the official whiskey of the PGA TOUR, the brand's goal is to come together with Dahmen to encourage golf and whiskey fans alike to explore the drink together. Arnold Palmer already has a drink, as does John Daly, and now it’s Joel Dahmen’s turn.

In light of Dahmen's new partnership with Bushmills, Hypegolf sat down with the pro in Arizona to get to the bottom of the new signature cocktail and how he maintains so much personality on the course.

HB: Hey, Joel! What’s the story behind the bucket hat? How has this become such a prominent part of your game?

Living here in Arizona it’s always sunny. I started wearing them for practice, really to protect myself and my skin since us golfers are looking to play for 40+ years. I didn’t have a hat deal my second year on tour. At Fishers Island, I bought a bucket hat, then happened to play with Tiger that Saturday.

Do you find that bucket hat technology is evolving in the same way that clubs and golf balls are? Do you get your bucket hats fitted?

I’m pretty finicky when it comes to bucket hats. It’s not molded to my head. I would say I have a nicely shaped and a pretty simple hair cut which also helps. You also need different ones for different things. You want more coverage if it’s going to be hot and sunny. You need that tighter, smaller one if it’s going to be windy. I think the bucket hat game has come a long way over the years.

Full Swing really brought your story to the forefront of golf conversation. You’ve mentioned the new stardom has been a little weird. Have you been able to find more balance? Are you able to focus on your game more?

It’s a tough balance right now. There’s a lot more on my plate, there’s a lot of great opportunities. It’s just been more. But also I had a child five months ago, basically the same time Full Swing came out, so two life changing career changes. So yeah, it’s been a balance. I mean, my wife is unbelievable. She does all the heavy lifting and you have to have a partner like that. At the same time, I want to be home and do as much as I can. But I also want to go play great golf.

Something we love and respect in your story is your love for your family. Have you started including your son into your practice routines? How far out is your son from hitting a golf shot?

Yes, yes, he’s five and a half months old. He's starting to hold his own spoon. I mean, there's gotta be some correlation there. So yes, possibly sometime in the future.

"I’m pretty finicky when it comes to bucket hats. You want more coverage if it’s going to be hot and sunny. You need that tighter, smaller one if it’s going to be windy."

Plenty of loft on a spoon. Have you started to include more dadcore style elements into your dress on the course?

Yeah, I’m lucky. I’m fitted on course with TravisMathew, it’s great. They’re not dad quite yet. I mean I could ask for my own dad line—that would be very interesting. I’ve always had a dad bod, and that was long before I had a kid. There’s definitely room out there for that.

You just crafted your own cocktail with Bushmills. What was your approach to creating it? And what does it do for your golf game?

I haven’t explored the golf course with the drink yet. That will be a fun game to play. Joel's Juicy Lie will be a good one, especially in the winter. Even if it's 110 out, you can keep it on ice. It’s going to be a good one for sure.

We heard you’re buying the first round?

I am. Make me pay, you know you want to...

To celebrate Joel’s Juicy Lie, Bushmills is buying the next round. Buy a Bushmills at a local bar or PGA activation and upload your receipt to the brand’s website for $10 USD off.

DISCLAIMER: We discourage irresponsible and/or underage drinking. Drink responsibly and legally.