Dahmen Eyes FedEx Cup Berth with Stellar Wyndham Opener
Golfer Surges to Early Lead in Season Finale
Joel Dahmen launched his long-shot bid for the PGA Tour postseason with a career-best 9-under-par 61 on Thursday at the Wyndham Championship, seizing a one-shot lead. This pivotal event marks the final regular-season tournament, determining the top 70 players advancing to the lucrative FedEx Cup playoffs.
Dahmen’s Resurgent Round
Currently ranked 101st in the standings, Dahmen needs a strong showing, likely a runner-up finish with minimal competition ahead, to secure his spot. His impressive round, featuring 10 birdies on a firm Sedgefield Country Club course, has injected optimism into his playoff aspirations.
Reflecting on his performance, Dahmen expressed both satisfaction and a grounded perspective on his playoff chances.
“I mean, I’ve had like three top 2s in my career — I don’t know, four of them, maybe? I mean, it’s not even a thing, right? Yeah, great to make the playoffs, that would be unbelievable, give me a lot of time off this fall. We’ve got a baby coming so that would take some pressure off of that.
The playoffs are a bonus for me. I’m just going to go out and try to play good golf, and I guess if I play really well, then I get to play another week.”
This 61 matches his previous career-low set at the RSM Classic in 2020. Dahmen has one PGA Tour victory and three runner-up finishes across 231 starts.
Chasing Playoff Dreams
Among those trailing Dahmen are Alex Noren, who shot a 62 but cannot reach the playoffs even with a win due to time missed with a hamstring injury. Also at 63 is Mark Hubbard, currently 98th in the FedEx Cup standings, who also requires a runner-up finish to advance.
Cameron Young, defending champion Aaron Rai, and Nico Echavarria, who sits at 65th and needs to maintain his position, are also in the group at 63.
“I think it’s all about how you look at it. For me I think it kind of takes the pressure off because it’s really hard to do that and it’s not something that you’re really thinking about. I’ve just got to go play super well and make a ton of birdies. If that happens to fall into place that way, then that’s great.
I think it’s easier than if I had to top-15 or top-10 because that way you’re always looking at the board … where this week I’ve just got to go out and play as good as I can.”
—Mark Hubbard
Veterans Adjusting Goals
Veterans Jordan Spieth and Adam Scott posted identical scores of 65. Spieth, already secured for the postseason at 50th, is focused on easing pressure for the upcoming playoff events.
Scott, sitting at 85th, faces a more challenging path, needing at least a third-place finish. The FedEx Cup playoffs have added significance this year, with the top 50 players after the first event guaranteed spots in all lucrative $20 million signature events, a perk Spieth missed last year, necessitating sponsor exemptions.
“I’m going to need to get like 20 under to think of anything, so I better not be 1 under through day one or I’m going to leave myself a lot of work. So nice to make a few birdies. And of course as much as I think about moving on, I’d like to win this tournament.”
—Adam Scott
Bonus Pools and Ryder Cup Aspirations
Beyond playoff berths, significant FedEx Cup bonus pools are on the line, with the points leader, Scottie Scheffler, and runner-up, Rory McIlroy, having already clinched their top positions and associated prize money.
Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley, positioned at 10th, is aiming to maintain his standing to secure a $500,000 bonus. He finished his round with a pair of bogeys for a 68, playing alongside Ben Griffin (67) and Andrew Novak (68), both of whom are also on the radar for Ryder Cup consideration.
