(June 21, 2023) – PUMA GOLF announces the signing of University of Virginia sophomore Ben James to an NIL agreement. The deal will make James a PUMA ambassador who will wear PUMA shoes and apparel.
“I’m thrilled to be on the PUMA team,” said James. “I’ve always thought PUMA was a cool brand and I’ve admired Rickie since I was a young kid. I’m excited to tee it up this week at the Travelers in my new PUMA gear.”
Currently the third-ranked player in the Golfweek Collegiate Rankings and fourth-ranked player in the World Amateur Golf Rankings, James won five times as a UVA freshman, resulting in winning the Phil Mickelson Outstanding Freshman Award. He was also named a First Team NCAA All-American and was a member of the 2023 Arnold Palmer Cup Team.
“Ben is one of the top amateurs in the world today and we are excited to have him join the PUMA family,” said Dan Ladd, President of COBRA PUMA GOLF. “Ben is a very impressive student-athlete, and we look forward to supporting him on his journey through collegiate and amateur golf.”
James, who hails from Milford, Connecticut, has enjoyed several notable achievements throughout his young
playing career so far, including:
- Five wins and five top-5 finishes during his freshman season at the University of Virginia. James finished sixth at the NCAA Championships and led Virginia to match play for the first time in school history
- Led Team USA to victory in the 2023 Palmer Cup with two crucial match wins
- Named to Haskins Award watch list
- Finalist to be selected for the 2023 Walker Cup Team
- Made PGA Tour debut at the 20222 Travelers Championship as a high school senior
- Top-10 finish in stroke play at the 2022 U.S. Amateur
- Former number one junior player in the country
Editors Note: Article by PUMA GOLF, Photos courtesy of PUMA GOLF
About the Connecticut State Golf Association
The Connecticut State Golf Association functions as an extension of the USGA and provides stewardship for amateur golf in Connecticut. Founded in 1899, it is the country’s oldest state golf association and conducts over 60 Championships, Qualifiers, and One Day Tournaments throughout the year.
