Cancer has been a battleground for Joel Dahmen. Not just once, but thrice. Thirteen years ago, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer when he was 23 years old. The news did not come very long after he turned pro. His brother, Zach, was also diagnosed with testicular cancer two years before Dahmen was diagnosed with the same cancer. Dahmen was so depressed with the news that he would simply lay around on the couch, with the TV on, accompanied by his dog Murphy.

“I was so devastated. I wasn’t practicing for the final stage. I had nothing really to plan, so I just shut it down,” he said. Joel Dahmen even opened up about battling cancer in 2020. Well, that wasn’t even the worst of it all. In 2004, his mother Jolyn was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She could no longer fight off the abhorrent condition and took her last breath on April 18, 2005. He was closest to his mother, and could not take the news!

To honor his mother’s memory, Joel Dahmen has maintained a cherished tradition. Every year, Jolyn would bake cinnamon rolls for Christmas, a gesture that symbolized her love and warmth. In 2021, Joel shared a heartfelt Instagram post about her. Alongside a picture of cinnamon rolls sent to him by a company. In the caption, he wrote, “16 years ago today, I lost my Mom to cancer. She would make cinnamon rolls every year for Christmas and they were the best. To honor her, @traveleatsandtreats made cinnamon rolls this morning and they are the 2nd best! #endcancer”.

Joel Dahmen and his mother shared a very special relationship. So much so that he is often seen referring to himself as ‘Mama’s boy.’

Joel Dahmen and Jolyn Dahmen’s relationship in the greens

“I was a 17-year-old kid who was a mama’s boy who had the best mum in the world. And she did everything for me and all of a sudden, she’s gone. I was kind of like a rudderless ship out in the ocean just floating around,” said Joel Dahmen while recalling the tragic passing of his mother.

Jolyn Dahmen was a teacher in school and would travel with him during the summers for his tournaments. She would even caddie for Dahmen at times. He went on to add how he was often lost as a kid and it was always his mother who guided him to the right path.

The years that followed were a challenging chapter for Joel Dahmen, as he grappled with the overwhelming grief of losing his mother. She had been more than just a parent; she was his staunchest supporter. As an elementary school teacher, she juggled her career with her dedication to her son’s budding golf aspirations—driving him to tournaments, meticulously tracking his performances, and offering thoughtful advice to keep him grounded.

Her absence left a void that was as emotional as it was practical, creating a hurdle for Dahmen to overcome both on and off the golf course. He even dropped out of university. However, almost two decades later, it seems he has managed to find a way to navigate the emotional scars left by his battles with cancer and the loss of his mother. Today, nearly two decades later, Joel Dahmen stands as a testament to perseverance and strength.

Through his personal losses and victories on the golf course, Joel continues to honor his mother’s memory, proving that even in the face of tragedy, one can rise above and thrive.