Aggies Sam Bennett Wins Low Amateur at The Masters
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Sam Bennett didn't capture the green jacket Sunday afternoon at the 87th Masters, but he did capture the attention of golf fans across the country by proving he belonged among the greats at Augusta National.
The Texas A&M senior became the first amateur to finish in the top 20 at the Masters since 2005 by tying for 16th place at 2-under 286. Bennett, a native of Madisonville, also won the Silver Cup as the event's low amateur.
"I didn't play how I wanted to this weekend, but this experience playing the weekend at Augusta is definitely going to help me be the golfer I want to be," Bennett said following the 18th hole Sunday afternoon. "And to be able to play the Sunday pins was just incredible."
Bennett began the tournament making history on Days 1 and 2 when he shot a 4-under 68 in the first round Thursday before finishing with the same tally in the second round Friday to put him at 8-under. He became the first amateur since 1956 to finish with a bogey-free first round and the third amateur in Masters history to have multiple rounds in the 60s.
The hot start cooled Saturday as Bennett finished 4-over 76 for the third round. After playing four holes to start the round, he was required to cease play due to weather conditions and finished the last 12 holes Sunday morning. Hours later, Bennett returned to the green to close the tournament with a 2-over 74.
Bennett, who qualified for the tournament after advancing to the finals of the U.S. Amateur last August, finished in a seven-way for 16th with Tom Kim, Sungjae Im, Joaquin Niemann, Shane Lowry, Justin Rose, and Hideki Matsuyama. Bennett said he was overcome with emotions walking off the 18th green, allowing the moment to finally be soaked in.
"It was just from growing up as a kid watching this tournament to losing my dad to the struggles I've faced and still face to be able to walk up that green on 18 on a Sunday, Easter Sunday, and just be appreciative of everything," Bennett said. "I thought – I mean, if you had told me I was going to be here when I was a kid, I would have thought you were crazy. So to be able to [say that] it's cool. Playing the Masters on Sunday, that's what every golfer dreams of. I was just happy to be able to do that."
After playing with last year's Masters' winner Scottie Scheffler on Days 1 and 2, Bennett finished his time in Augusta playing with the eventual 2023 winner Jon Rahm and Brooks Koepka. Rahm finished Sunday with a 12-under 276. Koepka finished tied for second with Phil Mickelson at 8-under 280.
While Bennett couldn't beat the two greats through 18 holes, he did prove that his skills belonged on the tour moving forward.
"It showed, just like at the U.S. Am, I competed with the best and now out here on this stage," said Bennett. "I've seen how the top dogs kind of play and what they're made of, so I think I can hang in with them."
Seven total amateurs were invited to Augusta National for the four-day marathon. Only Bennett made the 36-hole cut following Friday's round. Ben Carr (+5), who Bennett defeated in the US Amateur, remained two strokes behind Tiger Woods to make the cut. Matthew McClean (+7), Mateo Fernandez de Oliviera (+7), Aldrich Potgieter (+7), Harrison Crowe (+8), and Gordon Sargent (+9) were all eliminated from the competition before hole No. 18.
Bennett might return to the Aggies' golf team later this year, but for now, he's looking to rest and recover. Bennett was expected to play in A&M's own tournament at The Traditions Club on Monday and Tuesday but has since decided to withdraw his name.
"I'm going to need some time when I get back to decompress and really you look back and enjoy it," said Bennett.
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