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Amateur golfer Sam Bennett is beginning to cash in on his impressive Masters performance. The Texas A&M senior notched a top 20 finish at Augusta National earlier this month.
Unfortunately, due to his amateur status, he was unable to receive any of his quarter-million dollar winnings. It was only a matter of time before he’d find other ways to monetize his success, though.
Bennett made headlines throughout the Masters week in what would be a truly unforgettable weekend for the youngster. The Aggie tallied back-to-back 68s to open the tournament as he rose as high as No. 2 on the leaderboard.
His final two rounds weren’t quite as impressive, but he was still able to finish in a tie for 16th place. It was the first top 20 finish by an amateur in the Masters field in nearly two decades.
Bennett was also a popular player off the course, being involved in a pair of viral moments both to start and end the major. Fans got an inside look at his personal life after learning the meaning behind a tattoo on his forearm.
They also saw a bit of his inexperience during an awkward moment during the green jacket exchange.
After the Masters, though, Sam Bennett went back to being a college student. Albeit, with a bit more fanfare.
He’s now seeing the payoff from that impressive performance after booking a major NIL deal.
On Tuesday, it was reported that Bennett had landed a partnership with cell phone company T-Mobile. Here’s more on that deal from Josh Carpenter at the Sports Business Journal.
According to the report, Bennett “will promote T-Mobile through social posts and event appearances,” however, T-Mobile branding “will not appear on his golf bag or apparel.”
His NIL partnership is expected to run through the duration of his time in College Station.
Carpenter notes that Bennett also has deals with companies like Ping, Veritx Community Bank, Suncast and Aggieland Golf Cars.
Fans have been quick to comment on the news, posting their responses on social media.
One person wrote, “Well deserved,” while someone else said, “Good for him! The ability to realize part of his real value now that amateur sports is a massive business is a major step in fairness.”
Sam Bennett is now benefitting from his awesome showing in Augusta. He’s expected to turn pro later this year.