Late father's last words written on every Masters shot for Bennett

AUGUSTA, Georgia : Sam Bennett has the last words his father Mark wrote before dying from Alzheimer's tattooed on his left forearm: "Don't wait to do something."

Those are words the 23-year-old amateur is living by this week, putting his mark on the Masters in the form of two near spotless rounds of 68 to sit alone in third, four shots back of four-time major winner Brooks Koepka when second-round play was halted on Friday due to stormy weather.

The tattoo serves as a constant reminder, visible to Bennett each time he grips his club, and a source of motivation as he bids to become the first amateur to wear the coveted Green Jacket.

"I see it every time I'm gripping the club, it's right there," said Bennett, after Friday's second round. "I thrive on it. I use it for some motivation.

"I know how happy he would be seeing me out here at Augusta National doing what I'm doing."

What the reigning U.S. Amateur champion is doing is attacking the Masters record book.

After tying the Masters mark for lowest front nine score by an amateur in his opening round on Thursday, Bennett followed up with a second 68 on Friday for a 136 total that is the second lowest 36-hole score by an amateur at the Masters since Ken Venturi in 1956.

"Those are two solid rounds," said Bennett with a charming and striking self-assurance. "I knew what I was capable of but yeah, two 68s at Augusta, my first time as an amateur, yeah."

Playing in a group with world number one and defending champion Scottie Scheffler against an elite field that includes greats like Tiger Woods, Bennett has not been awed by the big stage - exhibiting a confidence that belies his amateur status.

Asked if he believed he could reel in Koepka and win the Masters, Bennett did not hesitate.

"I