Men’s Golf: UVA’s James qualifies for next week’s U.S. Open

Courtesy UVA Media Relations

Virginia golfer Ben James has qualified for the 2024 U.S. Open. During what is known as the “Longest Day in Golf,” James tied for first at the final qualifying site held at Canoe Brook Country Club in Summit, N.J.

James shot 11-under 131 over 36 holes of play Monday. The top four finishers from the site advanced to the U.S. Open. He had rounds of 4-under 67 and 7-under 64.

This marks the first time James has qualified for the U.S. Open. He will join a field that includes former Cavaliers and current PGATour members Denny McCarthy and Ben Kohles.

This year’s U.S. Open is set for June 13-16 at Pinehurst No. 2 in Pinehurst, N.C.

James finished as the runner-up at the 2024 NCAA Championships, his second consecutive top-10 finish at the event. He shot 2-under 286 to finish tied one stroke behind the national champion. James’ finish was the best ever by a UVA competitor during stroke play at the NCAAs.

During the year, he had seven top-10 performances in 11 tournament appearances. He led UVA with a 70.31 stroke average that included 23 of 34 of his rounds at par or better.

James helped Virginia to a second-place finish at the NCAA Baton Rouge Regional, the best regional finish in program history. The Cavaliers were third in stroke play at the NCAA Championships, also a program best. UVA reached the match play portion of the championship for the second consecutive year.

James was a semifinalist for the 2024 Ben Hogan Award which is annually awarded to the top men’s NCAA Division I, II or III, NAIA or NJCAA college golfer based on all collegiate, amateur and professional events over the previous 12 months.

Earlier this season, James earned All-ACC and PING All-East Region honors.

James is set to compete for the U.S. Team at the 2024 Palmer Cup. Last year he was a member of the victorious U.S. Team at the event and also a member of the U.S. winning Walker Cup squad.