Ben Silverman was gifted the chance to play in a marquee group at the Cognizant Classic this week, after Will Zalatoris withdrew at the last minute.
Zalatoris injured his ankle and pulled out of the Cognizant Classic not long before his tee time on Thursday.
The 29-year-old from Dallas was paired with Brooks Koepka and Daniel Berger, but after he withdrew, Ben Silverman took his place in the Cognizant Classic field.
How will Brooks Koepka perform during the 2026 PGA Tour season?
Could he really win this year?
Silverman and Koepka struggled on day one, shooting rounds of 74 and 73 respectively.
However, both players bounced back in style on Friday.
Koepka posted a superb 66 on day two of the Cognizant Classic, while Silverman shot an impressive round of 67.
And now Silverman has opened up on what it was really like to play 36 holes with a player like Brooks Koepka.
Ben Silverman on what it’s been like to play with Brooks Koepka at the Cognizant
Silverman making the cut this week was actually hugely impressive, considering that he didn’t even know he was playing until around an hour before teeing off on Thursday.
However, playing alongside someone like Koepka must have given him a boost and helped him to raise his level.
He was asked how he found playing with the 35-year-old former LIV golfer at PGA National during the first two rounds.
“It was awesome,” Silverman admitted.
“Honestly, I would love to play in a group like that every day, major winners, multiple PGA TOUR winners. It’s a different vibe, different energy amongst the players, amongst the crowd.
“I like that environment. That’s where I want to be. Thanks to Will, unfortunately, but throwing me in that position was fortunate.“
Brooks Koepka comments on Ben Silverman
After his second round, Koepka was asked what Silverman would have gone through this week, having got into the field at the very last minute.
How many majors do you think Brooks Koepka will end his career with?
He’s currently level with the likes of Rory McIlroy, Seve Ballesteros and Byron Nelson with five
“A lot of waiting,” the five-time major champion said.
“A lot of — I think he sat around probably for — probably got here 6:00 a.m. I’m assuming at the latest because I don’t know what the — what’s the first tee time, 6:45, 6:50?
“So probably earlier than that. Then to hang around until 12:20 something, I think he’ll enjoy his sleep tonight.“
Fair play to Silverman.
He will undoubtedly feel absolutely exhausted right now.
However, a good night’s sleep on Friday and a round in the mid-60s on Saturday could put Silverman in contention to win the Cognizant Classic come Sunday.