One of the sensations of the Masters 2023 is called Sam Bennett. At 23, the American is one of the seven amateurs present this week but above all the only one to compete with the pros. After a first card of 68 (-4) on Thursday, the kid from Madisonville (Texas) did not explode this Friday. On the contrary, he was a hit with a new -4 full of mastery. But Bennett is not just anyone. Winner of the US Amateur last year by beating Ben Carr in the final (another amateur present this week), the Texan has already experienced the atmosphere of a Major by passing the cut of the US Open l last year (49th in the end).
The Masters? With Scottie Scheffler, world No. 1 and defending champion, in his game? Not even scared for the Texas A&M University resident. I admit I was a little anxious the first day on the start of 1. I couldn’t stay in place. But that’s what I want: to be able to hit shots under pressure, with the crowd. I’ve said it many times, I have experience. I feel ready for this step. I haven’t always played at my best in college golf, but when the pressure is on, I tend to play well. »
« Don’t wait to do something »
Even if he has not (yet) beaten the best score of 66 (-6) signed by Ken Venturi during the 1956 Masters, Bennett will be present this weekend in Augusta. His second cut in two Majors with his university coach Brian Kortan in the bag and an important motto: “Don’t wait to do something”. In French, “don’t wait to do something”. A sentence written and even tattooed black on white on his forearm. A very simple sentence in homage to the words spoken by his father suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and who has since disappeared.
A motivation pegged to the body for Sam Bennett. ” Of course, this sentence really means a lot to me. I concentrate fully on it and I go for it. I remained patient, and we were, me and my coach, really focused on what we wanted to do on the course. But Bennett has other tattoos on his chest: five birds for his family members and the Methodist cross for his religion.
Sam Bennett’s now famous tattoo
While the second round is not yet over, Sam Bennett is in a magnificent 2nd place just 4 strokes behind Brooks Koepka. Sometimes mocked for his slow game on social networks, the 6th amateur player in the world is seeing his career pick up speed. He is the first amateur since 1958 to be the only second after 36 holes. “At the beginning of the week everyone told me”I hope you finish best amateur, etc”.I just wanted to do two good laps. I knew I was capable of doing it. Now I find myself in a position to get the tournament. I hope to do something special. »
In the 3rd round, if the classification remained there, Bennett could pass a new level and already experience the thrills of a last game at the Masters.
