Summit, New Jersey (June 2, 2025) – Less than a week after nearly leading the University of Virginia to its first national title, Ben James finished 5-under across 36 holes of U.S. Open Final Qualifying to earn a spot in the U.S. Open for a second consecutive year.
Playing at Canoe Brook Country Club, James combined rounds of 67-70 to claim the final of the four spots up for grabs.
James, the 2019 Connecticut Junior Amateur winner, began his day on the South Course and had a roller coaster of a round. On the front nine alone, James recorded three birdies, a double-bogey, and a bogey to make the turn in even-par. However, on the back nine, James settled in as he put together a solid bogey-free 3-under 31.
With momentum on his side, James playing on the North Course in round two did just enough to hold on to the final qualifying spot as he rolled in four birdies to offset a double-bogey and a bogey.
James will now compete in his second consecutive U.S. Open. This year, the U.S. Open will be contested from June 12-16 at Oakmont Country Club.
Hero Image: Courtesy of the MGA
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.
