Virginia star Ben James opened with a 68 at the NCAA Championship, keeping his PGA TOUR University No. 1 chase alive.
Ben James didn’t need fireworks to make his point at the NCAA Championship.
He just needed a clean 4-under 68 at Omni La Costa, and now the Virginia senior is still sitting in prime position to finish No. 1 in the PGA TOUR University rankings and lock up his PGA TOUR card.
That’s the big story in Carlsbad, where college golf’s final weekend suddenly feels like a pressure cooker.
James entered the week with a 61-point lead over Texas senior Christiaan Maas, and Friday only strengthened his hand.
While James moved into a tie for fifth after the opening round, Maas stumbled to a 4-over 76 and landed well down the board.
That swing could be massive with the PGA TOUR University ranking set to finalize after Monday’s final round of stroke play.
At the top of the NCAA Championship leaderboard, San Diego’s Ian Maspat, Arizona State’s Connor Williams and Alabama’s William Jennings each fired 6-under 66s to share the first-round lead.
But the bigger long-term prize belongs to James, who’s chasing full PGA TOUR membership beginning at the RBC Canadian Open.
Texas still had plenty to like despite Maas’ rough start. Luke Potter, ranked No. 4 in PGA TOUR U, matched James with a 68, while Tommy Morrison posted a 3-under 69.
The Longhorns finished the day tied for sixth at 1-under.
Virginia, ranked No. 4 nationally, also stayed in the mix at even par, helped by James and Bryan Lee’s 1-under 71.
UCLA grabbed the early team lead at 8-under, with No. 1 Auburn sitting second at 4-under. Auburn star Jackson Koivun opened with a 70 and remains another name to watch.
For James, though, the mission is simple: survive the NCAA Championship chaos, protect the No. 1 ranking and walk out with a PGA TOUR card.
Join Our Roundtable Community For Free!
Share your takes, connect with our Roundtable writers, and talk sports with fellow fans. Download the free Roundtable App today and stay closer to the conversation.
