The Masters: American Sam Bennett, 23, is just four shots off the lead
American Sam Bennett, 23, is just four shots off the lead as he goes 68 cards again and falls behind Brooks Koepka – at eight under par, the second-lowest 36-hole score by an amateur in the history of Augusta
American Sam Bennett closes in on Masters leader Brooks Koepka after finishing eight under par on day two at the Augusta National.
The amateur from Madisonville, Texas, impressed on day one with a first-round 68 on Thursday and maintained his consistency on Friday.
He made five birdies in his second round, including two back-to-back on holes eight and nine and then another on holes 13 and 14.
Just one bogey in 36 holes put him just four shots off the lead and his score over the two days was the second lowest by an amateur in Masters Tournament history.
The 23-year-old flirted with the Masters’ 36-hole amateur record of nine under, set by Ken Venturi in 1956.
American amateur Sam Bennett is hot on Masters leader Brooks Koepka
“That was incredible,” Bennett told Sky Sports after his round.
“I think a lot of people didn’t think I would support it. But I went out with the same game plan and hit a lot of solid shots. I hit a bad one in four, but otherwise I put myself in the right position.
‘This is exactly where I want to be. I like pressure, I like nerves. I try to use them to my advantage. I know it’s a Masters and a bigger stage, but I’ve played for a lot of people and like to play when the stakes are high. I’m ready for the weekend and put myself in a good place. Everything can happen.
‘I think I can [win]. We’ll see, I’m playing really well and I think I have what it takes to win. I like to make putts when it matters.”