DJ decks in his backpack and irons in hand, Joel Stalter is rewriting the rules of what it means to be a modern pro golfer. The Frenchman, now a regular face on The International Series, is turning heads not just with his swing, but with his sound.
A winner on the DP World Tour back in 2016, Stalter earned full Asian Tour status with an impressive sixth-placed finish at the 2025 Q School finals.
Since then, he’s capitalized on his opportunities on The International Series, making the cut in all four of his appearances so far this season, in India, Macau, Japan and Morocco, where he finished T40 last time out. Off the course, he’s making the most of his time on tour too.
Whether he’s mixing tracks in a hotel room or spinning vinyl at a player party, as he did in an impromptu performance in Morocco, Stalter’s passion for music is more than a hobby.
Performing under the name DJINO, he’s steadily building a reputation for his creative flair behind the decks. “I travel with my DJ set everywhere,” he explains. “It fits in my backpack, so whether I’m in airports or between rounds, I’m always testing new sounds or recording mixes.”
For Stalter, destinations aren’t just stops on the schedule, they’re creative fuel. “When I mix on tour, I would name each set after the city I was in. Thailand, Tokyo, Morocco… every place brings a different energy, and that seeps into the music.”
That same energy, he says, flows back into his golf game.
“Mixing music has changed how I approach golf,” Stalter reflects. “It’s taught me to play with more feel, to be in the moment, to listen to myself and to my rhythm. DJing is all about connection. On stage, you’re reading the crowd. On the course, I’m doing the same thing, just with myself.”
That rhythm has reshaped his entire preparation. Instead of rigid drills, he now focuses on visualization, creativity, and conserving energy. “I’ve become less technical and more expressive. Golf stopped feeling like a grind, it became more like an art form.”
His passion for vinyl runs deep. Inspired by a friend and mentor in the music world, Stalter began collecting records as a personal pursuit. “I learned to mix on vinyl because it forces you to feel the music. There's a touch to it, just like there is in golf. Whether it’s syncing two tracks or reading a green, it’s about connection, finesse, and intuition.”
While based in Dubai, Stalter’s travels with The International Series have taken him to unexpected places and unexpected record shops. “I brought home over 100 vinyls from Japan alone,” he laughs. “Finding rare records in Tokyo was like a treasure hunt. Each one tells a story, and that’s what makes it special.”
His collector’s mindset extends to the golf world too. “I also collect putters,” he adds. “I’m a bit of a collector, I like art and all things.” For Stalter, golf and music aren’t just parallel passions, they’re deeply intertwined. Both offer rhythm, flow, and moments of artistry, making them essential parts of who he is, on and off the course.
That fusion of culture and competition is what has drawn him to the Asian Tour and The International Series. “I’ve really enjoyed playing on the Asian Tour. Even last year on the ADT, I was discovering new places and there’s just a good vibe around it,” he says.
“What I love about The International Series is that it’s competitive, the fields are strong, and each event feels like a full travel experience. It’s not just a tournament in a random location, there’s always a story, a connection to the place.
“You see it in the videos, the energy. I could really feel it in Japan, and it was amazing. Next up is Indonesia, Cambodia, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Saudi Arabia, all cool locations. For me, it’s been a real adventure."
As the season builds momentum, Stalter is embracing every moment, on the course and behind the decks. “There’s something powerful about stepping away from the scorecard and letting music guide you. It helps me disconnect, reset, and stay grounded.”
And as for his dream gig? “If I get to play a full set at the next International Series player party, with the right setup, count me in.”
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While music is a constant companion, Stalter’s focus remains clear. He’s aiming to climb The International Series Rankings and earn his place in the LIV Golf League, a chance to test his game against the best in the world and take the next big step in his career.
“I’m looking to lock in strong performances at all the upcoming events on the Series,” he says. “The goal is to earn that ticket, play well, and compete at the highest level.”
In a game defined by precision and discipline, Stalter’s journey is a thoughtful reminder that passion, rhythm, and creativity can drive performance, both on the course and behind the DJ booth.
The International Series is the most prized pathway in golf. It consists of a set of elite tournaments sanctioned by the Asian Tour and offers the year-long Rankings Winner & Runner-Up promotion to the LIV Golf League.
