Sam Bennett, Texas A&M amateur, caps impressive Masters opening round

Sam Bennett continued his strong start at The Masters for one of the best opening rounds by an amateur the tournament has seen in decades.

Bennett opened his round by carding birdie-eagle on the first 2 holes. He went on to tie the lowest front 9 in Masters history with a 32.

A 32 ties the record for lowest first nine from an amateur in Masters history. #themasters pic.twitter.com/s9L0EVDQXE

— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 6, 2023

Bennet went without a bogey on Thursday, shooting 68 to finish -4 for the day. It’s the lowest opening round by an amateur since 2001 when James Driscoll also shot 68 in 2001.

Sam Bennett shoots 68, the lowest opening round at #TheMasters by an amateur in 22 years (James Driscoll, 68 in 2001).

— Justin Ray (@JustinRayGolf) April 6, 2023

The 2022 U.S. Amateur champion Sam Bennett finished his first round without a single bogey. #themasters pic.twitter.com/ZcGOWdd2wY

— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 6, 2023

Bennett is in his 5th year at Texas A&M. In 2022, he was crowned the 122nd U.S. Amateur Champion and named a PING First Team All-American.