Sam Bennett has made heads turn with his adept display at the sport’s biggest stage, the Masters Tournament. But ahead of an all-important Sunday, he made people take notice again with his demeaning words for the iconic Augusta National Golf Club. With shades of DeChambeau’s confidence clearly visible, has Bennett lost his respect for the game’s most renowned golf course?
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Sam Bennett makes a daunting statement regarding Augusta National
Yet to turn professional, the 23-year-old has been spellbinding with his display at the Masters. The talented youngster hasn’t looked out of place in his first appearance at a major championship, instead maintaining a third place in the standings after Saturday’s play was suspended.
But in his post-round press conference, Bennett seemed to waive off the challenge of playing at the Augusta National. The youngster won the 2022 U.S. Amateur at the Ridgewood Country Club, a course he considered more difficult than the Masters host.
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PGA, Golf Herren Masters Tournament – Third Round Apr 8, 2023 Augusta, Georgia, USA Sam Bennett tees off on the fourth hole during the third round of The Masters golf tournament. Augusta Georgia USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xDaniellexParhizkaranx 040823_TheMasters_0169
“I mean, Ridgewood was harder than this place, I’ll tell you that, and some of the other courses I’ve played,” Bennett said, before praising the amateur division for their help. “I mean, I think the amateur golf has definitely prepared me to succeed on this stage.”
Fans enraged after Bennett’s Augusta National comments
Bennett’s words angered traditionalists, who found the nature of the comments disrespectful. Many felt the 23-year-old rushed in his statements before the event came to a close, which could ultimately affect his game in the rounds to come.
“I mean Ridgewood was harder than this place (Augusta National)” - Sam Bennett after todays round 🤌 Curious how the Green Jackets are receiving this comment
Here’s a selection of tweets reacting to Bennett’s statements:
I hope he realizes everyone went from rooting for him to hoping he posts an 85 tomorrow.
Let's see how he finds Augusta in the swirling winds, shall we?
Karma lives at Augusta National. Sam Bennett just ignored the do-not-disturb sign on its front door.
Similarly, even netizens who weren’t annoyed with Bennett’s remarks reacted in the comments.
I have no opinion on this, but when I heard that on the radio I immediately told my wife (who couldn't care less) "someone is going to be offended by that." 🤣
I don’t have a problem with this kid, and I’d like to see him compete into Sunday. But this is the second “jinx” worthy comment he’s made. Im going to be very surprised if nerves and/or ANGC don’t chew him up.
Furthermore, it was seen as an overconfident gig, with fans likening it to Bryson DeChambeau’s words around the course back in 2020. The 29-year-old had labeled the Augusta National as a par-67 instead of 72, claiming the conditions made it easier for him.
ADIOS BUDDDY. You just Bryson’d yourself, there is something in the Augusta air that doesn’t take too kindly to condescension ✌🏻
Dechambeau part 2
DeChambeau eventually finished tied for 34th place that year, inviting ridicule from the golf community. The LIV defector has been left cursed at the Masters since, with his recent venture on the Augusta National completed before the weekend.
Will Bennett suffer the same fate as DeChambeau? Importantly, the youngster still has two incomplete rounds left in the tournament. With overcast conditions looming, the golfer might have wished to hold back his assessment of the course.
Do you think Bennett will receive stick from the fans after his demeaning statements regarding Augusta National? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
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