(August 18, 2023) – In heartbreaking fashion Ben James’ run at the 123rd U.S. Amateur came to an end. After rallying late to tie his quarterfinal match against Parker Bell, James would ultimately fall just short of a semifinal berth.
Birdie in 16… EAGLE ON 17! 🐥 🦅@UVAMensGolf‘s Ben James in full comeback mode, now tied with Parker Bell heading to 18. #USAmateur pic.twitter.com/3FNHK98BCK
— USGA (@USGA) August 18, 2023
James was 2 down with three holes to play at Cherry Hills Country Club before rallying to tie the match with a birdie on No. 16 and an eagle from over 30 feet on No. 17. The 2019 Connecticut Junior Amateur winner had a chance to win the match on the anything can happen closing par-4 18th but when his bogey putt slid by the match was headed for a playoff.
There it is! @UVAMensGolf‘s Ben James runs one in at a crucial time, now 1 down with 2 to play. #USAmateur pic.twitter.com/lbUSmk0Q5m
— USGA (@USGA) August 18, 2023
One day after winning his Round of 16 match over David Ford with a birdie on the first extra hole James saw the roles reversed as Bell birdied the par-4 first to take the match in 19 holes.
James, a rising sophomore at the University of Virginia, entered match play as the 12-seed and advanced to the quarterfinals with a 4&2 win in the Round of 64 over Trevor Garus, a 1 up win against Zach Kingsland in the Round of 32, and the 19 hole victory over Ford in the Round of 16.
Hero image courtesy of the CSGA
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.
