(August 14, 2025) – For the fourth straight year 2019 Connecticut Junior Amateur winner Ben James reached match play at the U.S. Amateur. However, after winning his Round of 64 match on Wednesday James fell 1-up in his Round of 32 match against Mason Howell.
James reached match play at the 125th U.S. Amateur hosted by The Olympic Club with rounds of 72-70 to finish 2-over and earn the 34-seed.
In the Round of 64, the rising Virginia senior defeated Parker Claxton (Claxton, GA) 2&1 to earn a spot in the Round of 32. Facing high school senior and Georgia commit Mason Howell (Thomasville, GA) in the Round of 32, James led 1-up after three holes before losing the next four holes to go 3-down.
James, who will play on his second U.S. Walker Cup team next month, would rally tying the match twice. Once on No. 14 and again on No. 17 before falling on the 18th hole.
James is currently the second-ranked amateur in the world. His senior season at Virginia will begin with the Invitational at The Honors Course on September 15.
Editor’s Note: USGA Photo
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.
