Sam Bennett's Solid Opening 67 Continues Strong Major Championship Form at U.S. Open
Jul 27, 2023; Blaine, Minnesota, USA; Sam Bennett hits his tee shot on the 10th hole during the first round of the 3M Open golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 27, 2023; Blaine, Minnesota, USA; Sam Bennett hits his tee shot on the 10th hole during the first round of the 3M Open golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
In 2023, Sam Bennett carried his impressive Masters form into the U.S. Open, opening with a 3-under 67 at Los Angeles Country Club to sit tied for seventh. Earlier that season, the amateur had finished tied for 16th at Augusta and set several amateur records.
After making his first major championship appearance at the 2022 U.S. Open, the then-amateur looked right at home on one of golf's biggest stages.
“There’s no nerves. I feel like I belong,” Bennett said.
Jun 17, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Sam Bennett tees off on the second hole during the third round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Los Angeles Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 17, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Sam Bennett tees off on the second hole during the third round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Los Angeles Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
“The experience I got playing the weekend at the Open, the weekend at the Masters, I feel like I belong and I’m comfortable on this stage,” he added.
Paired with 2022 U.S. Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick and reigning Champion Golfer of the Year Cam Smith, Bennett posted a 3-under 67 to finish the opening round ahead of both major champions. He hit 11 of 13 fairways, found 14 greens in regulation, and recorded six birdies.
“I tend to play good under some pressure because I’m not thinking of anything, and I just let my body take over,” he said.
According to Golf Channel, Bennett followed his opening 67 with a second-round 68 to reach 5-under and make his third straight cut in a major, though two late bogeys cost him a place inside the top five.
He faded over the weekend with rounds of 79 and 71, finishing tied for 43rd.
Wyndham Clark went on to secure his only major title to date that weekend.
Wyndham Clark’s Thrilling Win At The 2023 U.S. Open
Unlike Bennett, winner Clark did not have a particularly impressive record coming into the major.
Clark had never finished better than 75th in a major championship before and had missed the cut in his previous two U.S. Opens. He also had just one Tour title to his name prior to the event, the 2023 Wells Fargo Championship.
At the end of the third round, Clark shared the lead with compatriot Rickie Fowler at 10-under. McIlroy was just behind them at 9-under.
In the final round, Clark shot an even-par 70 to win his first U.S. Open and major championship, holding off the tournament's 2011 winner, McIlroy, by one stroke.
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Written by
Avishek Sarkar
Edited by
Pulkit Prabhav