(June 8, 2022) – Ben James, the top-ranked junior player in the country, has earned a sponsor exemption to play in this year’s Travelers Championship. The Travelers Championship will be played at TPC River Highlands from June 23-26 and it will be James’ first career PGA Tour start.
“Playing in the Travelers Championship means a lot to me,” James said. “I’m so thankful to get the opportunity to play in my home state and in front of my friends and family. I can’t wait to learn how my game stacks up against the best players in the world.”
James, 19-years-old, and committed to the University of Virginia has had a sensational junior career at the state, regional, and national levels. James won the 2019 Connecticut Junior Amateur, won three straight New England Junior Amateur titles and won a number of AJGA championships including four of the last six that he played in. Earlier this week James nearly qualified for the U.S. Open missing out on a spot in an 8-for-3 playoff at U.S. Open Final Qualifying.
“The Travelers Championship team has always worked to identify the most accomplished amateurs and provide them with the opportunity to continue to build their golf careers,” said Andy Bessette, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer at Travelers.
In addition to his individual success James, who will graduate from Hamden Hall Country Day School this spring, has been a member of the U.S. Junior Presidents Cup and U.S. Junior Ryder Cup teams. In 2019 at the U.S. Junior Presidents Cup played at Royal Melbourne Golf Club in Australia James earned two points helping the Americans to a 13-11 victory over the International team. James was a member of the 2021 U.S. Junior Ryder Cup team however the team didn’t compete as the European team was unable to travel due to Covid travel restrictions.
Additional amateurs to earn sponsorship exemptions include Chris Gotterup, Cole Hammer, and Michael Thorbjornsen.
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.
