The 2023 Masters came to a close Sunday evening as John Rahm overtook Brooks Koepka down the stretch, highlighted by a -3 performance in the final round at Augusta to win the Green Jacket for the first time in his career. But the battle between Rahm and Koepka was far from the lone storyline to watch throughout the weekend.
Texas A&M‘s star golfer Sam Bennett, who entered the tournament as an amateur, had the world on notice after a hot start that included a top-10 finish in the first round that did not include a single bogey. Despite a setback on Saturday, the Aggie entered Sunday’s resumed play (due to weather) at No. 3 on the leaderboard.
Three bogeys in the final round resulted in Bennett finishing in a seven-way tie for 16th, but it won’t take away from one of the best performances put on display from an amateur in recent memory.
With a 2-under 268 in the four rounds combined, Bennett was rightfully awarded low amateur honors for the 2023 event. It also marked the first top-20 finish by an amateur at Augusta since 2005.
The 2023 Masters Low Amateur → @sammy_golf24243 at 2-under par ⛳️
First top-20 finish by an amateur at the event since 2005 at Augusta. #GigEm | 👍 | #BTHOthefield pic.twitter.com/5Lo0TEQe4e
— Texas A&M Men's Golf (@AggieMensGolf) April 9, 2023
Bennett had tears in his eyes when walking off the 18th hole at Augusta, as the 23-year-old not only got to see a childhood dream come to fruition but he also put a stamp on the event in emerging as a national story. Whether you’re a diehard golf fanatic or a casual viewer, how could you not root for Bennett over the weekend?
The saying goes that actions speak louder than words, but hearing Bennett talking about his experience at Augusta is sure to cause some waterworks:
.@sammy_golf24243 on CBS: "It was incredible. Just getting to play Augusta was a dream come true"
"#TheMasters and Augusta was everything I've ever dreamed of."
— TexAgs (@TexAgs) April 9, 2023
And in true fashion, Bennett quickly embodied the commitment and dedication of what it means to be an Aggie. You’d think that playing 36 holes in one day while seeing a childhood dream become a reality would warrant some well-needed rest. But not for the 2023 Low Amateur, who hinted that he’s leaning toward playing in tomorrow’s Aggie Invitational at Traditions Club in Bryan:
Texas A&M’s Sam Bennett in Butler Cabin getting honored as #themasters Low Am.
Said he’s leaning toward playing in tomorrow’s Aggie Invitational at Traditions Club in Bryan.
36 holes in one day… Both champ Jon Rahm and former Champ Scottie Scheffler chuckled and shook head. pic.twitter.com/5LFLOfvZvR
— 𝕋𝕣𝕒𝕧𝕚𝕤 𝕃. 𝔹𝕣𝕠𝕨𝕟 (@Travis_L_Brown) April 9, 2023
Congratulations to Bennett, who not only represented the Aggies well but who also put on a performance that will be remembered endlessly. It’s stories and triumphs like these that make sports so special. Gig’em, and BTHOthefield.
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Pete on Twitter: @PeteThreee
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=545]
[mm-video type=playlist id=01fvdd4pnb49trk727 player_id=01f5k5y2jb3twsvdg4 image=]