Rory Bennet - He’s one of our own!

Rory Bennet, the son of one of the ACGA’s long standing family Peter Bennet, has been Offered & Accepted a US College 4 year Athlete & Academic Scholarship at Lamar University, Beaumont, Houston, Texas. The university is 89/290 in Division 1 for Sport. Rory will take up his place in August 2023.

This is the culmination (of the first stage) of Rory’s dream from the age of 6, when he first stated that he wanted to study in America. We spoke to Rory’s proud parents Kerry and Peter to get a more complete understanding of the background behind this obviously very focused young man. I’m sure once you have finished reading this article, you will be even more impressed by the ambitious athlete you see before you.

Rory first took up golf at the age of 4. Having really taken to the game, he commenced with weekly lessons, and these have been ongoing ever since. Once Rory reached the required age for competition, he racked up a formidable list of achievements, some of which are listed below. He was the youngest ever member at Hainault Forest Golf Club and is now a member of Thorndon Park, where his current playing handicap is +2.2.

As we all know, education is key, as is a balanced lifestyle. On that front, Rory is equally as well accomplished. In his GCSE exams he achieved A* in 6 subjects, A in 1 subject and B in 3 subjects. He is currently studying for his A levels at Beal High School in Ilford, where he is hoping for good grades in Maths, Economics and Geography. He has also had to sit the US SAT Exam in December 2021, which is a US College requirement. His result was impressive as he achieved a mark which placed him inside the Top 7%.

Away from the golf course and school desk, (yes he finds time for other interests), Rory likes to play the trumpet (he is currently at Grade 6 level), Jazz Piano (to Grade 3) and studied Music Theory to Grade 3. He is also part of the school Swim Club. Looks like the talent gene pool is very strong. We will leave it to Kerry and Peter to confirm the original source….

I think we can conclude that Kerry and Peter have so far done an excellent job getting Rory to this point. As his proud parents put it “Rory is determined, focused on what he wants to achieve, puts in the hard yards and us the mileage but above all he’s a warm, respectful, kind, funny, ice cream and chocolate loving son.………..” Of that there is no doubt.

I know every member of the ACGA family will be keeping an eye on Rory over the next few years and joining his parents in wishing him every success. Remember, the (next lot of) hard work starts from now….

Rory in 2013 with then ACGA Captain Jacqui Harbor

Tournaments

Won Essex U10 age 8. 18 holes
Won Essex U14 age 13. 18 holes

2020
Won Frilford Heath Mens Black Tee Challenge 18 holes. Field 110.

2021
2nd Essex Boys 36 holes
2nd Essex Amateur Mens 72 holes
8th/120 English U18 Championship 72 holes
Part of Winning Thornton Cup & Youth Shield Squad

Representation

Young Rory’s reward after Essex U10 Win…

Essex County
Played for Essex County since age 9 on U12, U14, U16 & U18 squads

Rory with 2021 ACGA Captain Stuart Austrie and Frank Skinner

England Training
Selected for England Golf East Region Training Squad for 4 consecutive years.
Selected age 12 for U16 training squad.
Selected age 13 for U18 training squad.