Program of choice for spectators on the strokes of 1:06 p.m. this Saturday in Augusta. On one side at the start of the 10 the part of Tiger Woods and on the other on the tee of the 1: the leaders Brooks Koepka, Jon Rahm and Sam Bennett. The two rooms are full and there are easily four rows of spectators. The rain has stopped but “the bosses” have equipped themselves accordingly. The shorts and T-shirts seen the day before have disappeared to make way for rainwear and ponchos. The players brought out the sweaters, the technical fleeces and even the hat for some. A British Open atmosphere in Augusta.
On tiptoe, we try to see the last part of the day. If Jon Rahm and Brooks Koepka have a concentrated look, Sam Bennett, at the very bottom of the start, does not hold in place. It must be said that the winner of the US Amateur 2022 is currently having a crazy week and the weight of this provisional third place in the biggest tournament in the world must weigh very heavily. And even if he confessed in a press conference to love the pressure, we would like to know what is going on in his head at this moment. In the meantime, the 23-year-old is passing the time as best he can: a few words to his coach but also caddy this week, a few smiles and it’s time.
Rain and cold on the program
The atmosphere rises crescendo and at the announcement of his name, the crowd gives voice. For a week the kid from Madisonville (Texas) has made himself known and in addition to his performances, his story, his tattoo in tribute to his father have touched. And then, an amateur player who gives the lesson to the best in the world is often a successful scenario. But the day is not going to be as smooth as his first two days wrapped up in 68 (-4), and the Texas A & M player will drag his two inaugural bogeys all day.
In such brutal conditions, it was difficult for Bennett to regain his feelings at the start of the week. ” It was really very cold, we were all freezing but it started to warm up just before we left. But it was very hard and a hole like the 5 looked more like a par 5 today. I try to enjoy every moment. I feel comfortable on the course. My first two bogeys are not because of nervousness. It was just bad swings. »
Stopped by the rain
The Texan hung on but witnessed from afar the duel worthy of Ryder’s last day between Brooks Koepka and Jon Rahm. Match which will quickly turn to the advantage of the American who increases his lead after the first six holes. The rain redoubled, Bennett chained the pars and clings to his convictions before being stopped by the rain. Back to the clubhouse with the hope of responding on Sunday. “ I hope the weather will be nicer. I think we will still have to play low, which may be difficult. The course is going to be wetter and there will definitely be some mud. But I’ll try to have fun ».
