Vic Bennetts

Bennetts started playing golf at the age of five.{{Cite web |date=2018-12-04 |title=Meet The Kosciuszko Winner's 'Caddy' |url=https://homeofracing.com.au/general-news/meet-the-kosciuszko-winners-caddy/ |access-date=2022-04-20 |website=Home of Racing }} At the age of 12, he won his first club championship.{{Cite web |title=8 Aug 1971, Page 77 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/122902813/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-12 |website=Newspapers.com }} As a teenager, he attended Maroubra Bay High School in Maroubra, New South Wales, a suburb of Sydney.{{Cite web |title=14 May 1959, Page 13 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/121575821/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-19 |website=Newspapers.com }}{{Cite web |title=16 May 1959, Page 17 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/121576946/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-19 |website=Newspapers.com }} Bennetts largely learned to play golf at Moore Park Golf Club and St. Michael's Golf Course, both near Sydney.{{Cite web |title=17 Nov 1984, Page 42 - The Age at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/122169965/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-15 |website=Newspapers.com }}{{Cite web |title=10 Dec 1968, Page 24 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/120588266/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-13 |website=Newspapers.com }}

In the middle of 1959, he received media attention for one of the first times. On May 14, it was reported by The Sydney Morning Herald that he won the St. George's schoolboys' championship with rounds of 73 and 68. A few days later he recorded a solo second-place finish at the New South Wales schoolboys championship held at Ryde-Parramatta Golf Club.

In the early 1960s, he received much media attention. Early in 1961, he won the junior title of the St. Michael's Cup.{{Cite web |title=8 Mar 1964, Page 56 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/122778132/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-14 |website=Newspapers.com }} In April, it was announced that he was selected to represent New South Wales for the Australian Junior Interstate Matches for the first time. Also during the year, Bennetts also won the New South Wales Junior Championship.{{Cite news |date=1962-04-14 |title=N.S.W. JUNIOR GOLF TEAM ANNOUNCED |work=Canberra Times |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article104304424 |access-date=2022-04-01}} It was his first win in the event.{{Cite web |title=Tournament Results |url=https://archive.golf.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/00008624-source.pdf |website=Australian Golf Archive}} In early 1962, he played the two-round South Coast Amateur Championship in Sydney, Australia. At the par-70 course, Bennetts shot rounds of 69 and 68 to win the event by three strokes.{{Cite news |date=1962-01-30 |title=JUNIOR WINS AMATEUR GOLF |work=Canberra Times |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article104921534 |access-date=2022-04-01}}{{Cite web |date=30 Jan 1962 |title=Sport Details |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=8YNWAAAAIBAJ&sjid=9OUDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6059,218493 |access-date=2022-06-08 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald}} In the long history of the event, he became its youngest-ever winner.{{Cite web |title=9 Jan 1985, Page 36 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/122691298/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-06-08 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}} In May, he played the inaugural New South Wales Junior Mixed Foursomes tournament at Bonnie Doon Golf Club. His partner was Jill Higinbotham. The pair won the event with a 77 (+5), defeating the nearest competitors by six strokes.{{Cite web |title=15 May 1962, Page 24 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/121519260/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-12 |website=Newspapers.com }} During this era, he was strongly associated with Moore Park Golf Course.{{Cite web |title=5 Mar 1962, Page 17 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/121266937/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-15 |website=Newspapers.com}}

Over the next two years Bennetts received more media attention. In June 1963, he played the one-round Winter Cup. Bennetts shot an even-par round of 72 to win the event. He was the youngest-ever winner of the event.{{Cite web |title=16 Jun 1963, Page 61 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/121235240/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-14 |website=Newspapers.com }} In late August, it was announced that Bennetts earned entry into the Australian Men's Interstate Teams Matches representing New South Wales.{{Cite web |last=Fritter |first=Bill |date=18 Aug 1963 |title=Down the Fairway |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/121379869/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-14 |website=www.newspapers.com}} In December, he played the Australian Cup, a scratch fourball vs. par event, held at The Australian Golf Club in Sydney. Bennetts paired with Wayne McIntosh. Their team "staged a brilliant finish" with birdies at the final three holes to tie Vic Bulgin and Reginald Dunn at the end of regulation.{{Cite web |title=15 Dec 1963, Page 64 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/122822701/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-13 |website=Newspapers.com }} In March 1964, he played the New South Wales Junior Championship. Due to poor weather the tournament was reduced to 27 holes. Bennetts opened the tournament with two double-bogeys but "settled down" from there. With scores of 82 and 39, Bennetts won by one over George Bell. Later in March, he captained Moore Park's team at the Eric Apperly Golf Shield. Bennetts led Moore Park to its first victory in the event.{{Cite web |title=4 Mar 1973, Page 65 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/122808327/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-18 |website=Newspapers.com }} In July, he was selected to play the Carnarvon Cup again. Bennetts shot a 73 (+2) to win the cup.{{Cite web |title=12 Jul 1964, Page 55 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/123914351/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-18 |website=Newspapers.com }} In November, he played the two-round Champion of Champions tournament at Ryde-Parramatta. Bennetts tied Peter Lungham at the end of regulation at two-over-par 144. The two played an 18-hole playoff to determine the champion. In the playoff, Bennetts recorded five birdies on the front nine on the way to a 32 (−4) and a seven stroke lead. He eventually won it by six, 68 to 74. He became the first golf to win the New South Wales Junior Championship and Champions of Champions in the same year.{{Cite web |title=16 Nov 1964, Page 17 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/123821016/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-12 |website=Newspapers.com }}

Early in 1965, he was referred to as New South Wales' "outstanding junior golfer" by The Sydney Morning Herald. He had much success over the course of the year. In March, he played the New South Wales Junior Championship. Bennetts shot rounds of 71 and 70 to defeat Terry Beaver and Barry Burgess by four strokes. His aggregate was one off Phil Billings record. He became the first player to win the event three times. Shortly thereafter, he was selected to be the captain of New South Wales's team at the Australian Junior Interstate Team Matches. Held in Western Australia, New South Wales won the event for the first time in three years. He was also selected to represent New South Wales in an amateur competition against the Southern Tablelands district that fall.{{Cite news |date=1965-04-22 |title=NSW chooses strong side for Royal |work=Canberra Times |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article131768465 |access-date=2022-06-14}} In July, he won the Carnarvon Cup with a 70 (−1).{{Cite web |title=4 Jul 1965, Page 52 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/123933271/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-06-14 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}} The following week he finished in joint second place with teammate Trevor Wood at the New South Wales Foursomes Championship, two behind the leading pair of John Barras and John Bennetts.{{Cite web |title=11 Jul 1965, Page 60 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/123935033/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-06-14 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}} In late August, he played the City of Sydney Open, a professional tournament. In the second round, Bennetts shot a "brilliant" 68 (−3) to tie Barry Burgess for the low amateur score.{{Cite web |title=29 Aug 1965, Page 76 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/122737274/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-06-14 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}} In November, he played the two-round Champions of Champions tournament at Royal Sydney Golf Club. Bennetts was well back during most of the final round. However, leader Peter Headland "dropped four shots over the last four holes to give Bennetts a chance to beat him." At the last, though, Bennetts "took three from the edge at the 18th to lose by a shot."{{Cite web |title=14 Nov 1965, Page 72 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/122801493/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-06-14 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}} Later in the month, Bennetts played the Australian Men's Interstate Teams Matches. The matches were held at Royal Melbourne Golf Club. Bennetts went undefeated in his early matches. In his team's final match, New South Wales played Western Australia. Bennetts played John Ewings in his individual match. Bennetts was never behind on his way to a 3 & 2 victory. He was considered to be the "hero" of New South Wales' team by The Sydney Morning Herald.{{Cite web |title=27 Nov 1965, Page 18 - The Age at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/121972027/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-14 |website=Newspapers.com }} During this era, Bennetts was also considered by The Canberra Times to be "one of Sydney's and NSW's leading amateurs."

In 1966, Bennetts recorded a number of highlights, "generally" holding his "form this season."{{Cite web |title=18 Sep 1966, Page 63 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/122781314/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-18 |website=Newspapers.com }} In April, he was slated to play the three-round Australia Capital Territory (ACT) Amateur. He was considered one of the favorites.{{Cite news |date=1966-03-31 |title=A ROUND the LINKS |work=Canberra Times |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article105894517 |access-date=2022-04-01}}{{Cite news |date=1966-04-07 |title=Bennetts favoured |work=Canberra Times |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article128651958 |access-date=2022-04-01}} Bennetts opened with rounds of 78 and 77 but closed with an even-par 72. At the end of regulation, he was tied for the lead with Bill Donohoe, also out of Moore Park, and Gerald Focken. In the six-hole playoff, Focken "coasted home" to defeat Bennetts and Donohoe by three.{{Cite news |date=1966-04-12 |title=ACT amateur golf won by Focken |work=Canberra Times |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article128652796 |access-date=2022-04-01}} Later, there was a playoff between Bennetts and Donohoe to decide second place. Bennetts won the playoff.{{Cite news |date=1966-04-14 |title=A ROUND the LINKS With Plus One Original Cup returned |work=Canberra Times |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article128653084 |access-date=2022-04-01}} A month later, he played the Concord Cup for the fourth time. He shot rounds of 71–72 to win by one.{{Cite web |title=24 Jul 1966, Page 60 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/122747658/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-13 |website=Newspapers.com }} In September, it was announced he would represent the New South Wales at Australian Men's Interstate Teams Matches later in the year.{{Cite web |title=17 Sep 1966, Page 47 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/122781206/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-13 |website=Newspapers.com }} In October, he played the New South Wales Mixed Foursomes Golf Championship at Ryde-Parramatta with partner Carol Blair. The pair "combined brilliantly" with a first round 71. On the par-3 final hole of the tournament they looked sure to win. However, the pair recorded a quadruple-bogey 7 to fall into a tie with team of Don Sharp and Ann Kenny. However, Bennetts and Blair defeated Sharp and Kenny by a shot in a six-hole playoff to win the event.{{Cite web |title=9 Oct 1966, Page 80 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/122784525/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-14 |website=Newspapers.com }} In October, he played the Australian National Foursome Championship with partner Des Turner. The team opened "consistently" with a 69 (−4) and then closed with a 72 (−1). They won by a shot over Denis Bell and Don Flave.{{Cite web |title=18 Oct 1966, Page 28 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/122787443/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-14 |website=Newspapers.com }}

As of February 1967, he had earned rights to play for New South Wales' team once again at the Australian Men's Interstate Teams Matches.{{Cite web |title=26 Feb 1967, Page 105 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/122818319/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-19 |website=Newspapers.com }} Late in the month he played in the St. Michael's Cup. He finished in a tie for second place with Des Turner, only behind champion Don Sharp.{{Cite web |title=26 Feb 1967, Page 109 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/122818336/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-15 |website=Newspapers.com }} In March, he started playing pennant matches for St. Michael's.{{Cite web |title=12 Mar 1967, Page 72 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/122728177/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-15 |website=Newspapers.com }} In May, he defeated Pennant Hills' Tony Gresham in a match.{{Cite web |title=7 May 1967, Page 71 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/120494228/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-14 |website=Newspapers.com }} Later in the month, St. Michael's defeated Bankstown to move into the finals. Bennetts defeated Vic Bulgin in his individual match.{{Cite web |title=22 May 1967, Page 19 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/120513000/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-13 |website=Newspapers.com }} In May, he also finished in second place at the Concord Cup, one back of champion Barry Burgess, in a tie for second with Bulgin.{{Cite web |title=21 May 1967, Page 72 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/120511212/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-12 |website=Newspapers.com }} Later in the year, he successfully defended his New South Wales Mixed Foursomes Golf Championship with Carol Blair.

In 1968, Bennetts did not earn membership for Australia's 1968 Eisenhower Trophy team. Influenced by this rejection, Bennetts decided to turn professional. He decided to turn pro as a "playing professional" rather than pursuing the club pro apprenticeship path.{{Cite web |title=29 Apr 1968, Page 51 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/120651195/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-12 |website=Newspapers.com }} Bennetts made his professional debut on 29 April 1968 at the Monash Masters.

Bennetts first received significant media attention as a professional for his performance at the New South Wales PGA Championship. The event was played in August 1968. Bennetts was in the top three during the first three rounds.{{Cite web |title=16 Aug 1968, Page 22 - The Age at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/122307345/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-19 |website=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite web |title=17 Aug 1968, Page 20 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/120433198/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-14 |website=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite web |title=18 Aug 1968, Page 62 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/120435854/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-18 |website=Newspapers.com}} He finished in a tie for fourth.{{Cite news |date=1968-08-19 |title=Bill Dunk takes NSW PGA by 11 strokes |work=Canberra Times |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article107068469 |access-date=2022-04-01}} In November, Bennetts began playing the North Coast Open. He was considered one of the favorites by The Sydney Morning Herald.{{Cite web |title=9 Nov 1968, Page 28 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/120465566/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-19 |website=Newspapers.com }} Bennetts opened with rounds of 71 and 70 to put him in solo sixth place.{{Cite web |title=23 Nov 1968, Page 27 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/120563170/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-14 |website=Newspapers.com }} In the third round, despite "blustery conditions," Bennetts scored six birdies to shoot a 69 (−3) and tie Les Wilson for the lead.{{Cite web |title=24 Nov 1968, Page 62 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/120567070/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-12 |website=Newspapers.com }} Bennetts had a "nervous" final round, however, scoring erratically.{{cite news |date=25 November 1968 |title=Bennetts gets golf title but no prize money |page=12 |newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=uqpWAAAAIBAJ&sjid=KegDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4278%2C9246807}} He bogeyed the second hole and eagled the par-5 5th hole. He then recorded a number of bogeys in the middle of the round to fall over par for the day. However, his primary competitor, Wilson, "could not get his putter to work" and shot a 75 (+3).{{Cite web |title=25 Nov 1968, Page 20 - The Age at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/122123210/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-13 |website=Newspapers.com }} Bob Stanton and Stan Peach and were also briefly in the lead but did not play well down the stretch. On the par-5 17th hole, meanwhile, Bennetts hit a five-foot putt that "hung on the lip of the cup then dropped in for a birdie four." This "clinch[ed]" the title. With a one-over-par 73, he finished at 283 (−5) and defeated Wilson by two shots. Because he held "probationary" professional status, however, Bennetts could not earn any prize money. In December, he played the New South Wales PGA Foursomes Championship with Vic Richardson, a club pro from Moore Park. The event was at Monash Golf Club. With rounds of 71 and 73, their team won the event. Like his experience at Coffs Harbour, however, Bennetts was not allowed to collect any prize money. Later in the season, Bennetts recorded top ten finishes at the Brisbane Water Tournament and Aeron Golf Classic.{{cite news |date=20 January 1969 |title=Golf |page=14 |newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=xP9jAAAAIBAJ&sjid=WOcDAAAAIBAJ&pg=957%2C6551066}}{{Cite web |title=17 Feb 1969, Page 20 - The Age at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/124589546/?terms=aeron%20golf&match=1 |access-date=2022-05-10 |website=Newspapers.com }} In April 1969, Bennetts completed his "12-month probationary period" to become a fully-fledged touring professional.{{Cite web |title=9 Oct 1969, Page 25 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/120630214/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-13 |website=Newspapers.com }}

Later in 1969, around the time of the southern hemisphere spring, Bennetts won a number of minor events. In early August, he won the Bankstown purse.{{Cite web |title=24 Aug 1969, Page 79 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/120465652/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-13 |website=Newspapers.com }} Two weeks later he won the Roseville purse with a bogey-free 62 (−2), defeating David Graham, Doug Maggs, and Tony Mangan by a shot. In early October, Bennetts played the Rothman's pro-am at Fox Hills. He tied for the win with Avondale professional Malcolm Wills, with a 65 (−5). Overall, Bennetts won six tournaments during the year.{{Cite news |date=1970-10-29 |title=GOLF |pages=32 |work=Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 - 1995) |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article110468659 |access-date=2021-06-02}} During this era, Bennetts was receiving much praise for his performance. The legendary golfer Peter Thomson referred to Bennetts as one of the top new Australian pros "fresh from the amateur ranks" along with Jack Newton.{{Cite web |title=15 Oct 1969, Page 17 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/120638307/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-14 |website=Newspapers.com }} According to John Hourigan, golf writer for The Canberra Times, Bennetts was among the top Australian golfers to have turned pro in the 1960s along with Bruce Devlin, Ted Ball, Bob Mesnil, and Graham Marsh.{{Cite news |date=1969-09-18 |title=BRUCE DEVLIN TO PLAY IN NATIONAL PGA IN CANBERRA |work=Canberra Times |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article107893007 |access-date=2022-04-01}}

In early 1970, Bennetts had much success at minor golf tournaments in the Australasian region. During the first week of the year, he played the Spalding Masters at Tauranga Golf Course in Tauranga, New Zealand. At the par-70 course, Bennetts opened with rounds of 67-69-70 to tie for the lead with Paul Morgan. Bennetts, however, closed with a 72 (+2) to finish in solo third, two back of champion Stuart Jones.{{Cite web |title=6 Jan 1970, 24 - The Birmingham Post at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/784729420/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-14 |website=Newspapers.com }} Two weeks later, he played the Endeavour Masters at Cronulla Golf Club in Sydney, Australia. Bennetts was "steadily among the leaders from start to finish" and finished in a tie for second with Kel Nagle and Ted Ball.{{cite news |date=19 January 1970 |title=Big Guy romps home by eight |page=33 |newspaper=The Age |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=d9tUAAAAIBAJ&sjid=zJADAAAAIBAJ&pg=5614%2C3370332}}{{cite news |date=19 January 1970 |title=Miller 10-under in US golf |page=10 |newspaper=The Canberra Times |location=Australian Capital Territory, Australia |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article131682946 |access-date=16 February 2020 |via=Trove}} Later in the season, Bennetts recorded top ten finishes at the New South Wales Open and South Australian Open.{{Cite news |date=1970-02-16 |title=Graham ties Phillips in NSW Open |work=Canberra Times |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article131687262 |access-date=2022-04-02}}{{Cite news |date=1970-05-25 |title=Dunk's record SA Open win |work=Canberra Times |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article110323123 |access-date=2022-04-02}} He also started playing on he Asia Golf Circuit during this era.{{Cite news |date=1970-03-14 |title=Two lead Indian Open |work=Canberra Times |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article107913826 |access-date=2022-04-02}}

In late 1970, Bennetts began playing on the Australian circuit once again. He had much success at minor tournaments during this era. In August, he finished in joint second place at the Roseville Gold Mashie, one behind champion Mike Kelly.{{Cite web |title=23 Aug 1970, Page 74 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/122820245/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-19 |website=Newspapers.com }} Shortly thereafter, he won the Deliliquin Open, an event held in rural New South Wales. In September, he played the New South Wales Pros verses Amateurs matchplay in Killara. He "trounced" Lance Manson in the finals to win the event.{{Cite web |title=20 Sep 1970, Page 88 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/122773622/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-19 |website=Newspapers.com }} In October, he played the Rothman's pro-am held at Federal Golf Club in Canberra. He shot a 68 (−5) to win the event by three shots and broke the course record. He defeated notable golfers like Kel Nagle and Jack Newton by several shots. At more "major" tournaments held later in the year, however, he had mixed results. In late September, he played the New South Wales PGA Championship. He was considered one of the favorites. However, Bennetts failed to break par in the tournament and finished outside of the top ten.{{Cite web |date=September 28, 1970 |title=Sporting Details - Golf |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=r4RWAAAAIBAJ&pg=2397,11009925 |access-date=2022-05-17 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald}} Two weeks later, in October, he played the West End Tournament. Bennetts failed to break par the first two days. However, in the two-round finale, Bennetts shot rounds of 70 to finish in a tie for sixth.{{Cite news |date=1970-10-09 |title=WEST END TO F. PHILLIPS |work=Victor Harbour Times |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article187525202 |access-date=2022-04-02}} Later in October, Bennetts played the Australian Open. He opened with a 71 (−1) to put him in tie for second, one back of leader Frank Phillips.{{Cite web |title=23 Oct 1970, Page 17 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/122826194/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-19 |website=Newspapers.com }} However, he shot a second round 74 (+2) to put him "far behind."{{Cite web |title=24 Oct 1970, Page 31 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/122826324/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-19 |website=Newspapers.com }} He ultimately finished in a tie for 17th, well back of champion Gary Player.{{Cite web |title=The Age - Google News Archive Search |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=J-FUAAAAIBAJ&sjid=s5ADAAAAIBAJ&pg=2590,5863094 |access-date=2022-05-17 |website=news.google.com}} Later in the month he began play at the Dunlop International. Bennetts opened with a three-over-par 75 and was never in contention thereafter. However, he responded with three consecutive under-par rounds to finish in a tie for 12th with America's Arnold Palmer and Spain's Ángel Gallardo.{{Cite news |date=1970-11-02 |title=TWO OUT OF TWO Player takes one-stroke victory |work=Canberra Times |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article110436315 |access-date=2022-04-02}} In November, he played the North Coast Open, the site of his first professional victory. In the first round, Bennetts "had trouble in the boisterous conditions" and shot a 76 (+4) putting him eight shots back.{{Cite web |title=20 Nov 1970, Page 24 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/122797738/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-18 |website=Newspapers.com }} In the second round, despite "impossible conditions," Bennetts was two-under-par after 14 holes to move into contention. However, the second round was "abandoned" due to "torrential rain." Bennetts good round was expunged. This turned out to be one of the "hard luck stories" of the tournament.{{Cite news |date=1970-11-21 |title=Rain stops play in North Coast Open |work=Canberra Times |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article110439739 |access-date=2022-04-02}} Bennetts shot over par for the remainder of the tournament and was not in contention.{{cite news |date=23 November 1970 |title=Dunks 51st record |page=25 |newspaper=The Age |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Y9szAAAAIBAJ&sjid=sJADAAAAIBAJ&pg=3657%2C4510122}}

Later in the season, like the previous year, Bennetts played on the New Zealand Golf Circuit. He again had success in the country. In December, he played the Otago Charity Classic. The event was held at the par-72 St. Clair Golf Course. Bennetts opened with rounds of 66 and 71 to tie Thailand's Sukree Onsham and Australia's Kel Nagle for the lead.{{Cite web |title=12 Dec 1970, Page 29 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/123786565/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-14 |website=Newspapers.com }} In the third round, he shot a two-under-par 70 to take the solo lead.{{Cite web |title=13 Dec 1970, Page 56 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/123787221/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-14 |website=Newspapers.com }} Bennetts was in "top form" on Sunday, shooting a 67 (−5). However, he turned out to be "unlucky" as Nagle "unleashed a sensational round of 63" which broke the course record. Nagle won the tournament defeating Bennetts by two strokes.{{Cite web |title=14 Dec 1970, Page 18 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/123787448/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-12 |website=Newspapers.com }} Shortly thereafter, he began play at the New Zealand PGA Championship. In the second and third rounds, despite "rain, thunder and lightning," Bennetts shot consecutive rounds in 60s to move into contention, in a tie for third with Peter Thomson.{{Cite web |title=9 Jan 1971, Page 24 - The Age at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/121508064/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-14 |website=Newspapers.com }} Bennetts again played well in the final round, this time shooting a seven-under-par 66 to finish in a tie for second with Graham Marsh.{{Cite news |date=1971-01-11 |title=NZ PGA TITLE TO LISTER |work=Papua New Guinea Post-Courier |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article250345421 |access-date=2022-04-01}}

In 1971, Bennetts had much success. In the middle of the year he started playing on Australia's "winter circuit" in South Australia.{{Cite news |date=1971-08-14 |title=McCully gets his chance |work=Canberra Times |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article110673739 |access-date=2022-04-01}} In May, he won the South Australian PGA Championship by nine shots over Jerry Stolhand and Barry Coxon.{{Cite news |date=1971-08-05 |title=Gorham out to topple stars |work=Canberra Times |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article110672321 |access-date=2022-04-02}} The following month, in June, he tied Coxon for the win at the Blue Lake Classic. Overall, he won three event on the South Australian circuit. He also finished in second place at three events. Shortly thereafter, he moved onto the "northern circuit" in Queensland. In July, he won the Greater Townsville Open. Later in the month, he began play at the City of Cairns Open.{{Cite web |title=27 Jun 1971, Page 79 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/122814441/?terms=city%20of%20cairns%20open&match=1 |access-date=2022-07-05 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}} After two rounds he was at 138, three ahead of Duncan Park. He would go on to win the event. During the last week of July, he began play at the Queensland Open. Bennetts opened with rounds of 69 (−3) to take the lead with Geoff Smart.{{Cite web |title=31 Jul 1971, Page 32 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/122902183/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-19 |website=Newspapers.com }} In the third round, Bennetts shot a 70 (−2), maintaining the lead, now with Ted Ball.{{Cite web |title=1 Aug 1971, Page 89 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/122902356/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-18 |website=Newspapers.com }} In the final round, Bennetts "withstood all challengers," shooting a 69 (−3), to win easily.{{cite news |date=2 August 1971 |title=Qld. Open to Bennetts |page=20 |newspaper=The Age |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Pfc0AAAAIBAJ&pg=3013%2C117619 |access-date=26 December 2020 |via=Google News Archive}} By August, he had won eight tournaments on the winter circuit. In the middle of the month he played the two-round Yass pro-am. He opened with a course record 63 (−5) and went on to win. He earned A$380. This brought his seasonal earnings up to A$3,500. With the win Bennetts "picked up the winner's purse for the ninth time in three months."{{Cite news |date=1971-08-16 |title=Course record in pro-am golf |work=Canberra Times |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article110673956 |access-date=2022-04-01}} By the end of August, he had won 12 tournaments through the year.{{Cite web |title=26 Aug 1971, Page 25 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/126005617/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-14 |website=Newspapers.com }}{{Cite web |title=6 Oct 1971, Page 15 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/117748226/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-12 |website=Newspapers.com }} 1971 was later deemed to be his "golden year" by The Sydney Morning Herald.{{Cite web |title=28 Sep 1975, Page 71 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/120532051/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-13 |website=Newspapers.com }}

However, his play "slipped sadly" over the ensuring years. Injuries contributed to poor play. In September 1971, he "damaged a muscle in his left arm" which affected the use of his left thumb. He did not play golf for a month. Bennetts returned to play golf in early October at the North Coast Open.{{Cite web |title=7 Oct 1971, Page 24 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/117748831/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-12 |website=Newspapers.com }} Bennetts was unable to complete the tournament, however.{{Cite web |date=11 October 1971 |title=Sporting Details - Golf |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=-phXAAAAIBAJ&sjid=xvEDAAAAIBAJ&pg=936,4105573 |access-date=2022-05-21 |website=Sydney Morning Herald}} The following week he played the Australian PGA Championship. Despite continued thumb trouble, Bennetts played well in the first two rounds and was near the lead.{{Cite web |title=16 Oct 1971, Page 31 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/120642030/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-19 |website=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=1971-10-16 |title=Godfrey scores a good 'double' |work=Canberra Times |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article110682368 |access-date=2022-04-02}} Once again, however, Bennetts was unable to complete the tournament.{{Cite news |date=1971-10-18 |title=Weekend sporting round-up |work=Canberra Times |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article110682598 |access-date=2022-05-21}} The tendonitis issues manifested themselves once more. Bennetts was unable to play again, this time for several months.{{Cite web |title=19 Jan 1972, Page 20 - The Age at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/121842437/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-18 |website=Newspapers.com }} By February 1972, however, he was playing again. During the first week of the month he played the Victorian Open. Bennetts received daily cortisone injections during the tournament to mitigate the pain.{{Cite news |date=1972-02-05 |title=Ex-Briton holds field at bay |work=Canberra Times |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article101755760 |access-date=2022-04-02}} Bennetts had some early success, opening with a 70 (−3) to put him near the lead. In the second round he shot an even-par 73 to remain near the lead, in solo second, four back of Guy Wolstenholme. Bennetts shot over-par for the remainder of the tournament, however, to finish nine shots back, in solo sixth.{{Cite news |date=1972-02-07 |title=Full round-up of weekend sporting details |work=Canberra Times |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article101755936 |access-date=2022-05-21}}

For the remainder of 1972, Bennetts played primarily overseas. Bennetts started playing again on the Asia Golf Circuit in February. In March, he recorded a 9th-place finish at the Singapore Open. Overall, however, Bennetts made "little impression" on the Asian circuit.{{Cite web |title=2 Jul 1972, Page 73 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/123791215/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-12 |website=Newspapers.com }} By May, Bennetts was playing in Europe. Late in the month he played the Sumrie Better-Ball, a pairs event, with South African Terry Westbrook. In the third round the pair shot a five-under-par 67, putting themselves at an aggregate of 199, one back of the lead.{{Cite web |title=NewspaperSG - Terms and Conditions |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/newnation19720520-1.2.103?ST=1&AT=filter&K=vic%20bennetts&KA=vic%20bennetts&DF=&DT=&Display=0&AO=true&NPT=&L=&CTA=&NID=&CT=&WC=&YR=&QT=vic,bennetts&oref=article |access-date=2022-05-21 |website=eresources.nlb.gov.sg}} During the final round's front nine, Bennetts and Westbrook shot a 33 (−3) during the front nine to stay near the lead.{{Cite web |title=20 May 1972, 23 - Evening Standard at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/721763304/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-19 |website=Newspapers.com }}{{Cite web |title=20 May 1972, 10 - Sports Argus at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/806444827/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-18 |website=Newspapers.com }} Bennetts and Westbrook remained in contention at the par-4, 470-yard, 16th hole. However, both "disastrously" hit their approaches out of bounds. This led to a triple bogey and the end of their hopes. The team finished in solo fourth place, four back.{{cite news |date=22 May 1972 |title=Winning thrust by Huggett and Gregson |page=5 |newspaper=The Glasgow Herald |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=e-I9AAAAIBAJ&sjid=WEgMAAAAIBAJ&pg=2109%2C4304927}} A few weeks later, in June, Bennetts recorded another top ten at the Martini International.{{Cite web |title=12 Jun 1972, Page 28 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/119743028/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-19 |website=Newspapers.com }} Due to his recent good performances, Bennetts was convinced he had turned things around. Later in the month he played the Carroll's International in Ireland. He opened in tie for second place with fellow Australian Stewart Ginn after a 73 (−1), one shot behind leader Tertius Claassens.{{Cite web |title=27 May 1972, Page 36 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/119735596/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-19 |website=Newspapers.com }} Bennetts followed it up with an even-par-74 to remain in contention.{{Cite web |title=25 Jun 1972, Page 76 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/119747582/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-19 |website=Newspapers.com }} However, he was up to his "old faults" during the final two rounds and was not in contention. "I decided then and there that I was wasting my time staying in Britain any longer," he later said. Frustrated with his play, he abruptly cancelled his entry into British Open qualifying process.{{Cite web |title=8 Jul 1972, Page 31 - The Age at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/122383059/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-19 |website=Newspapers.com }}

Bennetts returned to Australia shortly thereafter. For the remainder of the early 1970s, Bennetts had the chance to win several events but failed to follow through down the stretch. In October 1972, he played the New South Wales Open. Bennetts was in contention for the first three rounds.{{Cite web |title=13 Oct 1972, Page 18 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/119741155/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-18 |website=Newspapers.com }}{{Cite web |title=15 Oct 1972, Page 80 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/119741635/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-19 |website=Newspapers.com }} However, he shot an 83 (+11) during the final round and finished outside the top 25.{{Cite news |date=1972-10-16 |title=Round-up of sporting details |work=Canberra Times |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article102009021 |access-date=2022-05-21}} It was "his worst-ever score as a professional."{{Cite web |title=20 Oct 1972, Page 18 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/119737509/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-12 |website=Newspapers.com }} The following week he played the Wills Masters. Bennetts was in the top three through the first three rounds.{{Cite news |date=1972-10-21 |title=Devlin leads in Wills Masters |work=Canberra Times |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article102009940 |access-date=2022-04-02}}{{Cite web |title=22 Oct 1972, Page 72 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/119738801/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-14 |website=Newspapers.com }} However, in the final round he "failed to maintain his sub-par rounds," shooting a 76 (+4), to finish well back.{{Cite news |date=1972-10-23 |title=Bob Murphy wins Wills Masters |work=Canberra Times |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article102010101 |access-date=2022-04-02}} In November, he played the New Zealand Open. Bennetts was tied for the lead entering the final round.{{Cite web |title=26 Nov 1972, Page 93 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/119746677/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-05-21 |website=Newspapers.com }} However, he shot over-par in the final round and was not in contention down the stretch.{{Cite web |title=27 Nov 1972, Page 30 - The Age at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/121966941/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-18 |website=Newspapers.com }} The following year, in September 1973, Bennetts played the South Australian Open. Bennetts opened with a 70, tying for the lead.{{Cite web |title=28 Sep 1973, Page 21 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/125763199/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-06-09 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}} Bennetts shot even-par the following round to stay in contention. However, he scored rounds in the mid-70s during the final two rounds to finish well back.{{cite news |date=1 October 1973 |title=SA Open to Ball by One Stroke |page=22 |newspaper=The Age |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=oZwQAAAAIBAJ&sjid=wZADAAAAIBAJ&pg=6909%2C144533}} During this period of struggle, Bennetts also worked as a waiter, laborer, and strapper at a racehorse stable to help make ends meet. Bennetts later cited poor discipline as a major factor for his weak performances during this era. He later told The Sydney Morning Herald, "I know haven't had enough dedication... I admit I haven't worked as hard as I could."

In the mid-1970s, however, Bennetts had more success. In 1974, he met physical fitness trainer Ray Anderson. Anderson encouraged him to work out and advised him on his workouts in an effort to improve his game. In January 1974, he played the Coca-Cola Lakes Open. Bennetts finished at 298 (+6), in a tie for fourth place, one out of a playoff.{{Cite news |date=1974-01-21 |title=Shearer wins Lakes Open |work=Canberra Times |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article110757661 |access-date=2022-04-02}} In February, he finished in a tie for second at the Cumberland pro-am with a 69 (−3), again one back.{{Cite web |title=20 Feb 1974, Page 21 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/120428774/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-15 |website=Newspapers.com }} Later in the month he played the inaugural Catalina Country Club pro-am. Bennetts opened with a four-under-par 67 to break the course record and went on to win the event.{{Cite news |date=1974-02-25 |title=Pro-am tourney victory to Bennetts |work=Canberra Times |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article110763062 |access-date=2022-04-01}}{{Cite news |date=1974-02-27 |title=GOLF $9,000 in NSW series |work=Canberra Times |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article110763363 |access-date=2022-04-01}} Much later in the year, Bennetts won a tournament at Bundaberg.{{Cite web |title=8 Sep 1974, Page 91 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/123438602/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-19 |website=Newspapers.com }} At the beginning on the 1974–74 season, Bennetts recorded top ten finishes at West End Tournament and New South Wales Open.{{Cite news |date=1974-09-25 |title=West End to Kel Nagel |work=Victor Harbour Times |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article187376994 |access-date=2022-05-23}}{{Cite web |last=Webster |first=Jim |date=21 October 1974 |title=Ball's Open title - by 7 strokes |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=a4NWAAAAIBAJ&sjid=aOUDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4774,7209838 |access-date=2022-05-23 |website=news.google.com}} In January 1975, he played the two-round New Britain Open in Papua New Guinea. Bennetts played well and had the tournament "almost in the bag" until Ian Stanley tied him late. Stanley then defeated him in a sudden-death playoff.{{Cite news |date=1975-01-20 |title=Eagle then birdle clinches the Open |work=Papua New Guinea Post-Courier |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article250428559 |access-date=2022-04-01}} In March, Bennetts won the Taree pro-am golf tournament in a playoff over Bill Dunk.{{Cite web |title=10 Mar 1975, Page 14 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/123599154/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-19 |website=Newspapers.com }} In May, he recorded a joint runner-up at the South Australian PGA Championship, two behind champion Vaughan Somers.{{Cite news |date=1975-05-26 |title=Golf win |work=Canberra Times |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article110639399 |access-date=2022-04-01}} In August, he played the two-round Tuggerah Lakes Open in Wyong, New South Wales. Bennetts was in eighth place late in the tournament. However, he birdied the final three holes to leapfrog a number of players and tie for the win. He tied Rob McNaughton at 141.{{Cite news |date=1975-08-09 |title=Tuggerah Lakes |work=Canberra Times |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article110651718 |access-date=2022-04-01}}

In September 1975, Bennetts played the Australian PGA Championship at Burleigh Heads. After two rounds he was at 144, two-over-par, near the lead. In the third round, Bennetts "had only two birdies," missing a number of "possible birdie putts," but his even-par 71 was enough to take the solo lead.{{Cite news |date=1975-09-22 |title=Bennetts narrow leader in PGA |page=12 |newspaper=The Canberra Times |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article110659273 |access-date=2020-11-13}} Bennetts was "astounded" that he was in the lead given his high score.{{Cite web |title=22 Sep 1975, Page 14 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/120524133/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-19 |website=Newspapers.com }} He led by one over a number of players. In the final round, Bennetts shot two-over par on the front nine to fall into a tie for the lead. He then bogeyed the 10th hole but birdied the 11th and 13th holes to regain the solo lead. However, "the real turning point" occurred at the par-5 14th hole. He played most of the hole poorly. He hit his drive into a grove of trees.{{Cite news |date=1975-09-23 |title=PGA title won by Bennetts |work=Canberra Times |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article110659511 |access-date=2022-04-01}} His second shot was obscured by the trees so "he elected to hit up an adjoining fairway."{{Cite web |title=23 Sep 1975, Page 17 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/120524907/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-06-08 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}} He then hit his approach – his third shot – into a bunker. However, he recorded a "miraculous" sand shot, holing it for birdie. This "clinched the title." Bennetts finished with 72 (+1) for a 287 (+3) total and won by three strokes. He said later he would not have won without the advice from his physical fitness trainer, Anderson. Bennetts' victory received international media attention and was reported by The New York Times and Los Angeles Times.{{Cite news |date=1975-09-23 |title=Bennetts Australian Victor |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1975/09/23/archives/bennetts-australian-victor.html |access-date=2022-04-20 |issn=0362-4331}}{{Cite web |title=23 Sep 1975, 34 - The Los Angeles Times at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/383198023/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-19 |website=Newspapers.com }} It was deemed his "most important success in six years on the circuit." Despite this success, after the tournament it was reported that his "future tournament performances would be restricted." According to The Canberra Times, Bennetts "had an interest in a Sydney golf-driving range and would be devoting much of his time to this." The driving range would be held at Moore Park, New South Wales, near where he learned to play golf.

In the late 1970s Bennetts still played in some tournaments, mainly minor events in the Pacific islands on their "Tropical Tour."{{Cite news |date=1980-02-15 |title=HOLDER TIPPED |work=Papua New Guinea Post-Courier |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article250585709 |access-date=2022-04-12}} In January 1976, he elected to play in the New Britain Open in Papua New Guinea rather than defend his Australian PGA Championship. This decision caused some controversy.{{Cite news |date=1976-01-15 |title=Row over pro for NB Open |work=Papua New Guinea Post-Courier |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article250317105 |access-date=2022-04-01}} The Australian PGA "refused permission" for him to play the event.{{Cite news |date=1976-01-16 |title=PM to get partner off the hook? |work=Papua New Guinea Post-Courier |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article250317212 |access-date=2022-04-01}} Bennetts, however, "fulfilled his controversial commitment" by winning the event.{{Cite news |date=1976-01-19 |title=Bennetts wins Rabaul Open |work=Papua New Guinea Post-Courier |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article250317335 |access-date=2022-04-01}}{{Cite news |date=1976-01-20 |title=PGA disciplinary action looms but... |work=Papua New Guinea Post-Courier |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article250317450 |access-date=2022-04-01}} In 1978, he again played the New Britain Open. Bennetts was considered one of the favorites.{{Cite news |date=1978-02-23 |title=Third attempt to win Open |work=Papua New Guinea Post-Courier |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article250332531 |access-date=2022-04-02}} He was in contention late but three-putted the 17th hole of the final round "to throw away any chance."{{Cite news |date=1978-03-02 |title=OPEN RESULT DENTS REPUTATIONS |work=Papua New Guinea Post-Courier |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article250334865 |access-date=2022-04-02}} Bennetts finished in joint second place at 220, two behind champion Brian Moran.{{Cite news |date=1978-02-27 |title=AUST PRO SCORES OPEN WIN |work=Papua New Guinea Post-Courier |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article250332842 |access-date=2022-04-01}} In early 1979, Bennetts began his "fourth tour" of the Pacific islands circuit.{{Cite news |date=1979-02-16 |title=Smith the tips for classic |work=Papua New Guinea Post-Courier |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article250177534 |access-date=2022-04-01}} In February, he played the two-round Port Moresby Golf Classic. Bennetts opened poorly over the first 27 holes to put him several shots back. However, he closed with a back nine 31 to finish joint second, three back.{{Cite news |date=1979-02-22 |title=FAVORITE WINS GOLF BY THREE SHOTS |work=Papua New Guinea Post-Courier |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article250178114 |access-date=2022-04-01}} Two years later, Bennetts also recorded a joint runner-up finish at the same event, again three back.{{Cite news |date=1981-02-23 |title=2 WINS BY DCA |work=Papua New Guinea Post-Courier |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article250729290 |access-date=2022-04-12}}

In the middle of 1981, Bennetts sold his Moore Park driving range to fellow professional golfer Geoff Scott.{{Cite web |title=3 Jun 1981, Page 49 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/122698012/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-19 |website=Newspapers.com }} Shortly thereafter began work as a club professional at Randwick Golf Club. He also was a committee member for the New South Wales PGA during this era.{{Cite web |title=16 May 1985, Page 30 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/121116944/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-19 |website=Newspapers.com }} In the mid-1980s, Bennetts also began playing more on the PGA Tour of Australia. In November 1984, he recorded back-to-back top ten finishes at the Australian PGA Championship and Victorian PGA Championship.{{Cite web |title=5 Nov 1984, Page 25 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/122676161/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-18 |website=Newspapers.com }}{{Cite web |title=12 Nov 1984, Page 34 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/122668620/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-15 |website=Newspapers.com }} In 1985, Bennetts won the New South Wales PGA Foursomes with partner Tony Mangan.{{Cite web |title=25 Aug 1985, Page 103 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/123610197/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-12 |website=Newspapers.com }} In early 1986, Bennetts decided to leave Randwick to work at Royal Sydney Golf Club.{{Cite web |title=26 Jan 1986, Page 65 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/122704978/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-18 |website=Newspapers.com }} He continued to play in some PGA Tour of Australia events.{{Cite news |date=1986-11-01 |title=Three level at top of PGA leader board |work=Canberra Times |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article130625187 |access-date=2022-04-12}}{{Cite web |title=4 Mar 1988, Page 35 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/122754650/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-12 |website=Newspapers.com }} However, he did not record many high results.{{Cite web |title=20 Oct 1986, Page 47 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/121190136/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-18 |website=Newspapers.com }}{{Cite web |title=27 Oct 1987, Page 45 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/120609458/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-14 |website=Newspapers.com }} Bennetts stopped playing events on the PGA Tour of Australia after the 1987–88 season. In the early 1990s, he became Director of Golf at Moore Park Golf Course.{{Cite web |title=7 May 1994, Page 125 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/119769046/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-18 |website=Newspapers.com }} He continued to work as a club professional at Royal Sydney Golf Club, however, through the early 2000s.{{Cite web |title=29 Jan 2002, Page 3 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/120417186/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-19 |website=Newspapers.com }} He then took a job at Grafton Golf Club. As of 2018, he had retired from the golf industry. However, late in life, he worked as a horse strapper, as he had briefly during his golf career.{{Cite web |title=THE GREATEST MOMENT OF MY LIFE |url=https://www.johntapp.racing/gallops/2018/10/16/vq42azkgf35ko47uqe6aj05ihnkyqg |access-date=2022-04-20 |website=JOHN TAPP RACING }}

As of 1975, Bennetts was married with two young children. During this era he lived in Burleigh Heads, Queensland.{{Cite web |title=3 Sep 1972, Page 87 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/119743312/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-19 |website=Newspapers.com }}

• 1961 New South Wales Junior Championship
• 1962 South Coast Amateur Championship, New South Wales Junior Mixed Foursomes tournament (with Jill Higinbotham)
• 1964 New South Wales Junior Championship, Champion of Champions tournament
• 1965 New South Wales Junior Championship,
• 1966 New South Wales Mixed Foursomes Golf Championship (with Carol Blair), Australian National Foursome Championship (with Des Turner)
• 1967 New South Wales Mixed Foursomes Golf Championship (with Carol Blair)

Sources:

• 1968 North Coast Open, New South Wales PGA Foursomes Championship (with Vic Richardson)
• 1970 New South Wales Pros verses Amateurs matchplay, Deliliquin Open
• 1971 South Australian PGA Championship, Blue Lake Classic (tie with Barry Coxon), Cootamundra tournament, City of Cairns Open, Greater Townsville Open, Queensland Open
• 1974 Bundaberg tournament
• 1975 Tuggerah Lakes Open (tie with Rob McNaughton), Queensland PGA Foursomes Championship (with Tony Mangan){{Cite web |title=13 Dec 1977, Page 24 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/126178335/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-18 |website=Newspapers.com }}
• 1976 New Britain Open
• 1985 New South Wales PGA Foursomes Championship (with Tony Mangan)

Amateur

• Australian Junior Interstate Team Matches (representing New South Wales): 1961,{{Cite web |date=4 April 1961 |title=Golf |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=NFoVAAAAIBAJ&sjid=_OUDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4672,935897 |access-date=2022-06-12 |website=Sydney Morning Herald}} 1962, 1963,{{Cite web |title=The Age - Google News Archive Search |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=CYcTAAAAIBAJ&sjid=YpUDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4771,2146592 |access-date=2022-06-12 |website=news.google.com}} 1964, 1965{{Cite news |date=1965-04-20 |title=N.S.W. Win in Junior Golf |pages=21 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103568041/the-sydney-morning-herald/ |access-date=2022-06-12}}
• Australian Men's Interstate Teams Matches (representing New South Wales): 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966,
• St. Michael's Cup (representing Sydney): 1963{{Cite web |title=23 Feb 1964, Page 56 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/122775804/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-19 |website=Newspapers.com }}
• City verses Country junior competition (representing the City): 1964, 1965{{Cite web |title=31 Jan 1965, Page 51 - The Sydney Morning Herald at Newspapers.com |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/123985883/?terms=vic%20bennetts&match=1 |access-date=2022-04-19 |website=Newspapers.com }}
• New South Wales Golf Association verses Southern Tablelands district teams competition (representing New South Wales): 1965{{Cite news |date=1965-04-29 |title=Gunther to lead tablelands |work=Canberra Times |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article131769675 |access-date=2022-04-01}}{{Cite news |date=1965-05-06 |title=Disaster at 9th for girl champion |work=Canberra Times |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article105842091 |access-date=2022-04-01}}

{{Reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Bennetts, Vic}}

Category:Australian male golfers

Category:PGA Tour of Australasia golfers

Category:Golfers from Sydney

Category:1944 births

Category:Living people

Category:Sportsmen from New South Wales

Category:20th-century Australian sportsmen