DETROIT — Joel Dahmen is a man of his word so he’s buying drinks at J’s Penalty Box in nearby Ferndale.
On January 8, when the Detroit Lions upset the Green Bay Packers in the final week of the NFL’s regular season to send the Seattle Seahawks to the playoffs, Dahmen tweeted, “Holy Cow! I can’t believe the Lions are sending MY Seahawks to the playoffs. Beers for everyone in Detroit this summer.”
“Didn’t think much of it,” Dahmen said after the opening round of the Rocket Mortgage Classic. “They remembered.”
Our Detroit fans haven’t forgotten, @Joel_Dahmen… #RocketMortgageClassic https://t.co/QvVebukwCn
— Rocket Mortgage Classic (@RocketClassic) June 27, 2023
So Dahmen said he thought of a way that it wouldn’t put too big of a dent in his wallet – beers ain’t cheap at the RMC – and got his sponsor Long Drink, maker of the Finnish alcoholic beverage, to participate in a promotion where he would buy 10 drinks for every birdie he made.
Dahmen made three birdies Thursday while struggling to a 4-over 76. Fortunately, Rickie Fowler, who is an investor in Long Drink, chipped in eight birdies so the first 110 Long Drinks were free at J’s Penalty Box, a popular sports bar not far from Detroit Golf Club, the site of the RMC.
Fowler got involved three years ago in Long Drink, described as a “refreshing, citrus soda with a premium liquor kick,” thanks to his friendship with music producer Kygo. Actor Miles Teller is another owner.
Asked if he might be bellying up to the bar at J’s Penalty Bar, Dahmen said, “There’s always that possibility, especially after my round today.”
The good news is Dahmen is buying on Friday, too.
“More birdies tomorrow,” he said.