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UVA Golf: Ben James earns #1 ranking on PGA Tour U Preseason Top 25

Chris Graham
ben james uva golf
UVA Golf All-American Ben James. Photo: UVA Athletics

Ben James, a rising senior on the UVA Golf team, is ranked #1 on the PGA Tour U Preseason Top 25.

The Millford, Conn., native is one of three members of the UVA Golf team ranked in the Preseason Top 25.

Paul Chang was ranked 18th; Bryan Lee was ranked 20th.

In case you’re wondering, there’s one guy who emails me often about UVA Golf who will be ecstatic that I write about this.

Me, personally, I gave up golf many, many years ago, despite me living literally down the street from a golf course.

I run a 5K every day around said golf course.

Running, to me, far easier than trying to hit a golf ball.


ICYMI


James, a three-time All-American, is set to represent the U.S. in the 2025 Walker Cup, which will be contested Sept. 6-7 at the Cypress Point Club, in Pebble Beach, Calif.

James, who is ranked #2 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, finished T-33 in the PGA Tour’s Valero Texas Open in April with a one-over 289.

He also competed in the 2025 U.S. Open in June, missing the cut with an eight-over 148 through two rounds, and the PGA Tour’s John Deere Classic in July, where he missed the cut with a two-under 140 through two rounds.

The #1 preseason ranking is a first for a UVA Golf team member.

The top-ranked player at the end of the 2025-2026 college season will earn PGA Tour membership.

Players in the 2-10 spots earn Korn Ferry Tour membership for 2026, and those in the 2-5 spots are exempt into the final stage of the Q-School.

Nos. 6-25 are exempt into the second stage of Q-School, and 11-25 earn exempt membership for PGA Tour Americas Segment II in 2026.

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Chris Graham

Chris Graham

Chris Graham is the founder and editor of Augusta Free Press. A 1994 alum of the University of Virginia, Chris is the author and co-author of seven books, including Poverty of Imagination, a memoir published in 2019. For his commentaries on news, sports and politics, go to his YouTube page, TikTok, BlueSky, or subscribe to Substack or his Street Knowledge podcast. Email Chris at [email protected].