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Introducing NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals into the amateur ranks has made it easier for equipment brands to forge relationships with the world’s best golfers, with the hope that this will lead to something bigger in the future.
In Bing’s case, the conversion of U.S. amateur champion Sam Bennett to the NIL during his time at Texas A&M turned Wednesday’s announcement into a mere formality.
Bennett, who is making his Memorial Tournament debut, was officially unveiled as the newest member of the Ping’s Tour squad this week. The financial terms of the multi-year agreement were not disclosed, but it is understood Bennett will haul it into Muirfield Village with 14 ping-pong clubs in the bag, including a G430 LST driver, G430 Max 3-wood and PLD Oslo 4-putter.
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“I’ve been playing Ping Equipment since my junior golf days, and my relationship with their team during that time has been a huge reason for my success,” said Bennett. “Besides making great equipment, they provide amazing service, making sure to fit me properly and build the best clubs specifically for my game. I am very confident in my equipment, which allows me to go out and focus on winning trophies. I am excited to start my journey as a professional knowing that Ping will be with me in Every step of the way.”
In addition to winning the 2022 U.S. Amateur, Bennett had great success at the Masters, opening with a career-high 68-game winning streak that put him in third place for the weekend. Bennett would go on to finish 16th, good enough for lower amateur honours.
The 23-year-old plans to make several starts on the PGA Tour (Memorial, RBC Canadian Open, US Open, John Deere Classic) in the coming months; His fifth-place finish in the PGA Tour U standings also gives him exempt status on the Korn Ferry Tour until the end of the season.
“We are excited to bring Sam to our professional tour crew,” said Ping President and CEO John K. Solheim. “His performance in winning the U.S. Amateur last year got him a lot of attention, but it was his fine play at the Masters that greatly increased his popularity and made him one of the biggest stories of that week. He is an incredible talent who plays with a lot of confidence and passion, which should serve him well. Good where his career begins. We look forward to Sam representing the Ping brand.”
Bennett joins a cast that includes fellow AJ Cameron Champ, Tony Finau, Victor Hovland, Jennifer Copshaw, Terrell Hutton, and Corey Conners.
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