Sam Bennett, the reigning US Amateur champion who shot 68-68 in the first two rounds of the 2023 Masters and finished T-16 this year at Augusta National, is making his professional debut Thursday at the Memorial Tournament.
The three-time All-American at Texas A&M has been using Ping golf equipment as part of a NIL deal with the Phoenix-based manufacturer, but the company has announced it signed Bennett to a multi-year agreement.
Bennett, 23, won several events while playing for Texas A&M and was the 2022 Player of the Year in the SEC before winning the US Amateur at Ridgewood Country Club last summer.
“I’ve been playing Ping equipment since my junior golf days, and my relationship with their team during that time has been a big reason for my success,” Bennett said in a release. “said Bennett. “I’m very confident in my equipment, which allows me to go out and focus on winning tournaments. I’m excited to begin my journey as a professional knowing PING will be with me every step of the way.”
Sam Bennett holds the Havemeyer trophy after winning the 2022 US Amateur at The Ridgewood Country Club in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo: Grant Halverson/USGA)
By finishing fifth in the PGA Tour University standings, Bennett has status on the Korn Ferry through the end of this season. He can also accept sponsor’s exemptions into PGA Tour events.
Bennett is expected to continue playing 14 Ping clubs, including a G430 LST driver, G430 Max 3-wood, a G425 hybrid and iBlade irons. Bennett plays Ping’s Glide Forged Pro wedges and a PLD Oslo 4 putter.
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Story originally appeared on GolfWeek