History Made at Augusta National

Take another look back through a magical weekend at Augusta National unlike any other for the Madisonville, Texas native.

Texas A&M All-American Sam Bennett earned the Silver Cup as the low amateur at the Masters Tournament, finishing in 16th place with a 2-under 286 for the tournament.

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, if you had told me I was going to be here when I was a kid, I would have thought you were crazy.

Sam Bennett

Brooks Koepka of the United States and Amateur Sam Bennett of the United States shake hands on the No. 18 green after the continuation of the third round of the 2023 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club, Sunday, April 9, 2023.

Amateur Sam Bennett of the United States speaks to members of the media during a press conference during the second round of the 2023 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club, Friday, April 7, 2023.

Amateur Sam Bennett of the United States plays a stroke from the No. 3 tee during the final round of the 2023 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club, Sunday, April 9, 2023.

Masters champion Scottie Scheffler of the United States and Amateur Sam Bennett of the United States talk during the second round of the 2023 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club, Friday, April 7, 2023.

Amateur Sam Bennett of the United States plays a stroke on the No. 1 hole during the second round of the 2023 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club, Friday, April 7, 2023.

Amateur Sam Bennett of the United States lifts the Low Amateur Silver Cup during the Green Jacket ceremony following the final round of the 2023 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club, Sunday, April 9, 2023.

Bennett became the first amateur to finish in the top 20 at the Masters since 2005. After firing rounds of 68 and 68 to position himself as the only amateur to make the cut, he closed out Sunday's action with rounds of 76 and 74.

Bennett owned a two-round tally of 8-under 136, the second lowest amateur score after two rounds in Masters Tournament history, trailing only Ken Venturi’s 135 in 1956. With his rounds of 68-68, Bennett joined Venturi and Charles Coe (1961) as the only amateurs to record multiple rounds in the 60s at a Masters Tournament.

His 16th place finish overall is the highest among amateurs since Ryan Moore tied for 13th in 2005.

Round-By-Round Score Cards:

Sam Bennett The Masters Round 1 Scorecard

The Masters Presentation Ceremony

Transcript available below

Sam's Comments

"First, I would like to thank you, Chairman Ridley and the Augusta National members. I’ve always wanted to just play Augusta National and to be able to play it on Easter Sunday, one of the last few groups, was a was a dream come true. I’d like to thank my fellow amateurs who are here this week, and the support of the staff, the volunteers, and especially the patrons. Y’all are incredible. Y’all made me feel so comfortable and welcomed out there. So thank y’all for that. My coach, Brian Kortan, he was incredible. And without him, I wouldn’t have played the golf I played. All credit to him. And to my mom and brothers and family, friends that came down...it was a special week. It was the best time of my life. So thanks to everybody for making this week so special."

Sam and Coach Kortan received a very warm welcome upon arrival in College Station at Easterwood Airport. The next day, Sam went to support his teammates at the Aggie Invitational.

Round Four Press Conference

Click below to read more on Sam's big weekend.

Masters.com

Houston Chronicle