BY Kent Gray
Rising U.S. star Sam Bennett has a simple aim for this week’s Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic.

“I’m excited to play my first DP World Tour event in Dubai, and I want to win,” said the Texas A&M University senior who received a sponsor’s exemption courtesy of being the top-ranked player in the PGA Tour University Velocity Global Ranking.

“Any week I tee it up that’s the aim. I’m not here to make the cut or the top 20. I feel my game is ready and I belong out here. I’m going to try to win this golf tournament.”

The 22-year-old American hotshot seemed blissfully nonchalant about taking his place in a prestigious Dubai field that counts defending champion Paul Casey, three of the world’s top 10 players, multiple Masters, Open and Major winners, numerous Ryder Cup veterans, as well as serial DP World Tour and PGA Tour event winners.

“I’d like to play with Rory [McIlroy] on Thursday and Friday, but I’m OK playing with anyone. Hopefully I get a good pairing or group,” said Bennett who also revealed a tourism bucket-list for his first trip the UAE.

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“Dubai is awesome, it’s certainly a lot different from the small town in Texas where I live. The big skyscrapers are unreal. It looks like Las Vegas in the Middle East. The drive to the hotel from the airport was unbelievable with these big buildings and billboards everywhere.

“I’m here with my cousin and girlfriend and we have a few tourist things on the list. We’re going to hit Mall of the Emirates to go skiing, the Burj Khalifa – we have to see the tallest building in the world – and we’ll go to The Palm to visit Atlantis – they’re all on my girlfriend’s list.”

Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director – Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic, revealed Bennett’s grandstand ability and infectious enthusiasm are vital ingredients in delivering a potentially memorable Dubai debut.

“Sam has fantastic ability and, like so many of the young guns ripping up the U.S. college circuit, amazing mental fortitude for such a young man,” said Corkill. 

“He has the world at his feet and I am sure our knowledgeable galleries at Emirates Golf Club will take great delight watching a young talent who is destined for the highest echelons of the game.” 

As it turns out, Bennett hasn’t drawn McIlroy but will partner Andy Sullivan and Sami Valimaki instead, off the 10th at 11.40am.