Caddie Benji Thompson looking forward to maiden trip to Maui for Sentry Tournament of Champions

This will be the second straight trip to Maui for Abraham Ancer, but the first for his caddie Benji Thompson. Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

World No. 12 Abraham Ancer will be making his second consecutive trip to Maui to play in the Sentry Tournament of Champions at Kapalua Resort’s Plantation Course.

For his caddie, Benji Thompson, the trip to Kapalua will be his first.

“I’m looking forward to going to Maui and checking out all the cool views it has to offer,” Thompson told The Caddie Network. “This is my first time going and I’m excited to finally be getting down to Maui.”

Thompson, previously on the bag for LPGA star Lexi Thompson (no relation), began caddying for Ancer early in 2021. In a season that included an impressive nine, top-10 finishes, Thompson helped guide Ancer to his first PGA Tour title at the WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational, which earned the invitation to Maui.

Abraham Ancer celebrates with caddie Benji Thompson after winning the 2021 WGC-FedEx St. Jude Classic. Photo: USA Today Sports Images

Ancer had a spot in the 2021 Sentry Tournament of Champions despite not winning in 2020, as qualification perimeters were tweaked because of missed tournaments due to COVID. Ancer finished T17 in 2021.

The “champions-only” provision is back in place for 2022, which – let’s face it – makes the journey all the more special.

“This trip means that I’ve been lucky enough to work for a player who has had a win along with an incredible season,” Thompson said. “I’m very fortunate to have the job that I have and glad I have the opportunity to make it to Maui for the Sentry Tournament of Champions.”

Thompson admits that all he really knows about the Plantation Course is from what he’s seen on TV and heard from fellow caddies – stunningly beautiful course, but a tough walk with those rolling hills… which are easy to get over when you look out into the Pacific.

Along with the tournament, Thompson is also hoping to squeeze in some extracurricular activity while in Maui.

“I’ve heard how cool the laid-back atmosphere is, and how awesome of a place it is,” he said. “My wife is coming with me, and this will be her first time to Maui as well. We’re going to try and do some of the cool adventures during off time and we are both looking forward to that.”

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