Men’s Golf: Virginia’s James recognized as ACC Golfer of the Month

Courtesy UVA Media Relations

Junior Ben James was recognized as the ACC Men’s Golfer of the Month for September, the league office announced on Friday. It marks the third time James has taken home the honor and his first since 2022.

James overcame a five-shot deficit entering the third and final round to win the Valero Texas Collegiate played at TPC San Antonio’s Oaks Course on Sept. 23. James shot a 6-under, 66 and defeated Auburn’s Josiah Gilbert with a birdie on the first playoff hole for the overall title.

James birdied the par-5 eighteenth hole to force the playoff and did it again in the one-hole playoff to win his sixth collegiate tournament. With the individual victory, he earned an automatic exemption into the PGA Tour’s 2025 Valero Open (April 3 – April 6).

To kick off the fall season, James led the Cavaliers to a team victory at the Inverness Intercollegiate in Toledo, Ohio on Sept. 10. UVA erased an eight-stroke deficit in the final round to win the tournament, overtaking defending national champion, Auburn, Texas and Oklahoma. James tied for third overall with an overall 3-under 202. He shot a 66 in the final round to aid the comeback.

James was under par in all six of his competitive rounds in the month of September with a scoring average of 67.67.

The Cavaliers return to action on Monday (Oct. 7) when they compete in the Hamptons Intercollegiate at the Maidstone Club in East Hampton, N.Y.