MASTERS TOURNAMENT

April 9, 2023

Sam Bennett

Quick Quotes

Q. Sam, you had a lot of time to kill over the suspension yesterday and the start today. How did you kill the time?

SAM BENNETT: I just hung out, few buddies came over. Went out to eat with coach. Yesterday I had to go to Dick's and get some warmer clothes, some Under Armours with the weather. We just hung out at the house.

Q. This course has changed quite a bit. Hot and humid earlier in the week. Now it's in the 40s. What's the biggest thing you're trying to get a handle on going into this final round?

SAM BENNETT: The ball's going a lot shorter. The north wind, it's tough out here. It's the hardest wind. The course is playing long. Then you factor in the north wind, hitting the mud on your ball every time. So it's pretty difficult.

It's a different course, but I think you've still got the same game plan. Take advantage of the par-5s and just grind for pars and other holes.

Q. Does the fact the golf course is playing longer -- I know you're the longest hitter in amateur golf, but does it simplify things knowing you're not going for par-5s in two, you take what the course gives you? How do you go into this challenging course?

SAM BENNETT: It definitely is a little longer. The first couple days, I was hanging with Scheffler and Homa off the tee, but the ball's not bouncing anymore so I'm pretty far back.

I feel like I'm trying to do too much with the driver, maybe hit a little harder. I'm just trying to play my game and wedge it close and get the ball off the tee and start from there.

Q. The start of this week, you're one of seven amateurs, the last man standing. The low amateur thing, we'll take care of later. But this incredible gallery cheering for you. How much fun is it with this gallery, you're in the final group today?

SAM BENNETT: To play in the final group on Saturday or Sunday, whatever, it was incredible, alongside Rahm and Koepka. The patrons have been awesome, cheering me on, telling me to hang in there. They really make me feel welcomed and comfortable out here.

Q. Kortan is on your bag, your coach at Texas A&M. What are some things he's talking to you about while you're out there kind of in uncharted territories on this big stage? What's he trying to do to keep you calm?

SAM BENNETT: He tells me to just keep breathing, enjoy it, look around, give high fives, just have fun.

We were talking about getting looks, I didn't have many looks today. The course is playing tough. Hopefully this afternoon I'll get a few more birdie looks.