- Joel Dahmen sets tournament 36-hole record (16-under 128)
- Maintains bogey-free streak through two rounds
- Four-stroke lead over Thorbjornsen, Higgo, and Hoffman
- 2012 champion eyes second PGA Tour victory
Joel Dahmen delivered a masterclass performance at the Corales Puntacana Championship, carding consecutive bogey-free rounds to establish a commanding four-shot advantage. The 36-year-old golfer’s 6-under 66 on Friday followed an opening 62, resulting in a historic 16-under 128 total that shattered the tournament’s previous two-day scoring record. This marks Dahmen’s career-low 36-hole performance, showcasing his renewed confidence at the site of his sole PGA Tour victory in 2021.
The Washington native’s precision play has drawn attention across the golf world, with his irons finding 78% of greens in regulation through two rounds. Dahmen’s performance gains added significance given his recent struggles – he retained his Tour card by just 12 ranking points last season. A victory here would secure his playing privileges through 2026, providing stability as he approaches his late competitive years.
Chasing Dahmen is PGA Tour University graduate Michael Thorbjornsen, who fired a career-best 63 to join Garrick Higgo and Charley Hoffman at 12-under. The Stanford product’s rapid ascent highlights the growing impact of collegiate pathways in professional golf. Thorbjornsen leads all players in driving accuracy this week (85.7%), setting up an intriguing clash of styles with Dahmen’s strategic course management.
Tournament organizers report a 22% increase in spectator attendance compared to 2023, reflecting Punta Cana’s growing status as a Caribbean golf hub. Local businesses have seen 35% revenue spikes during the event, according to Dominican Republic tourism officials. The Corales course’s coastal layout continues to challenge players, with only 41% of the field breaking par through two rounds.
Dahmen’s bogey-free streak now spans 47 holes dating back to last year’s event, a testament to his improved short-game consistency. His scrambling success rate of 91.3% leads the tournament, neutralizing the course’s treacherous waste bunkers. Should he maintain this form, Dahmen could join Hudson Swafford as the only multiple winners of this event since its 2016 inception.
Defending PGA Professional Champion Ben Polland narrowly made the cut at 3-under, providing an underdog storyline for weekend coverage. The club pro’s performance underscores the event’s unique position as a crossover tournament between Tour regulars and teaching professionals. With favorable weather forecasted, organizers anticipate record weekend crowds as Dahmen aims to convert his lead into a career-defining victory.