JACKSON, Miss. A Duke Blue Devil, a Texas A&M A&M Aggie, and other college students walk up to the tee-box.
The Country Club of Jackson was full of excitement during the first practice round on Tuesday, ahead of the Sanderson Farms Championship in 2023. Sam Bennett, a Texas A&M graduate who just finished his fifth-year at Texas A&M and Alex Smalley, a Duke 2019 grad, took on the course to prepare for Mississippi’s annual PGA Tour.
The logos of their alma-maters were stitched onto their golf bags as a reminder of college’s influence on professional golf. The NIL rules have also changed the landscape and given top amateurs an incentive to play at the college level.
Bennett said to the Clarion Ledger that it was cool for top golfers. The good players can use their names, images and likenesses to earn some money. It has been a good thing for the growth of the game.
Sam Bennett’s Masters win boosted his NIL Value
Bennett was a major talking point for the sport when he finished as the top amateur at the 2023 Masters. Bennett also beat out many big-name pros on his way to a T-16 result. Other players who finished in this slot, such as 2021 Masters winner Hideki Matsuzaya, earned $324,000
Amateur Sam Bennett from the United States hits a shot off the No. The 14th tee is used during the continuation round of the Masters Tournament 2023 at Augusta National Golf Club on Sunday, April 9th, 2023.
Bennett won nothing because amateurs do not earn winnings.
Bennett was able to benefit from his performance in part because of the help of an agent.
Bennett added, “I am sure that you will see more college athletes get a NIL representative at school.”
The PGA Tour offers college players pro opportunities
The PGA Tour is also trying to help amateurs by creating PGA Tour University. The program was created to assist athletes in making the transition from amateur golf to professional golf. It offers incentives like status on the PGA Tour Americas, Korn Ferry Tour and PGA Tour Americas.
Joel Dahmen said, “What the PGA Tour did with that is amazing.” Joel Dahmen is a Washington-based product. “… Ludvig Aberg, who played in college last May, is now playing the Ryder Cup. I think it’s a great deal. “Giving guys a few spots is a great deal.
The cost of a PGA golf course is not cheap.
Not all NIL agreements are the same, as is true for many athletes in nonrevenue sports. Some players do not sign any contracts. Some players partner with local businesses. Some, like a top quarterback, can benefit from incredibly lucrative opportunities.
It doesn’t matter, because Smalley was not able to make money from the publicity he generated during his college career. This coincided with Zion Williamson’s season at Duke. Williamson was the first pick of the 2019 NBA Draft.
Smalley stated that “It would be nice for someone to get a small monetary reward from all the television time they spend.”
He added, “Playing professional golf is expensive.” “When you first start out, it’s obvious that you’d have to have a bit of money in your pocket because it isn’t easy.”
On Saturday, the Sanderson Farms Championship is hosting “University Day”, where spectators can wear their favorite team’s colors.
Green is the best color for fans to show their support for their favorite teams and athletes.
Bennett stated that “(NIL), is helpful to the game.” Bennett said, “It helps athletes.” “It’s good for the college.”
