Golf Channel · Jun 1, 2023
'Itching' to turn pro, Sam Bennett shoots 71 in debut at Memorial
DUBLIN, Ohio – Sam Bennett has hit countless opening tee shots but Thursday’s start at the Memorial marked a fresh beginning for the darling of this year’s Masters.
Bennett, who was in third place going into the weekend at Augusta National before finishing tied for 16th, made his professional debut at Muirfield Village with a 1-under 71 that left him three off the early Day 1 lead.
Bennett said he’d been anticipating his jump to professional golf for a long time but once he was on the first tee everything felt normal. When asked what he needs to do to experience success as a pro, the reigning U.S. Amateur champion said, “Just quit living like a college kid. I'll probably start with that.”