It has been a stellar start to the season for Virginia.
First, the Cavaliers picked up a season-opening win at the Inverness Intercollegiate, topping defending national champion Auburn by four shots.
Then on Monday, junior Ben James picked up his first win of the season at the Valero Texas Collegiate, and it was a significant one. James, the 2023 Phil Mickelson Award winner, topped Auburn’s Josiah Gilbert in a playoff to nab medalist honors at TPC San Antonio’s Oak’s Course. The victory earned him an exemption into the PGA Tour’s Valero Texas Open, slated for next April at the same venue.
James shot 6-under 66 in the final round, making birdie on the final hole to get into a playoff with Gilbert. He then made birdie on the first extra hole to win, the sixth victory of his collegiate career.
After a five-win freshman season, James wasn’t able to win during what some would call a “sophomore slump.” Still, after two tournaments to begin his junior season, he has lost to only two golfers and earned a professional exemption thanks to his play. He’s also making an early statement for the Haskins Award.
On the team side of things, Virginia tied for third with Auburn, but it was Oklahoma taking the team title at 30 under, topping Ole Miss by six shots for the title.
The Sooners won for the 45th time under coach Ryan Hybl. The victory came in large part to junior Jase Summy’s school-record 10-under 62 in the opening round. He finished the week 11 under and solo third while senior Drew Goodman tied for eighth.
