Ben James, the standout from the University of Virginia, made his PGA Tour debut at the 2025 Valero Texas Open today, thanks to an exemption he earned by winning the 2024 Valero Texas Collegiate at TPC San Antonio's Oaks Course.

He seemed very comfortable on Thursday, shooting a 4-under-par 68, and following it up with a 1-under 71 in the second round. He was 5-under and T13 heading into the weekend.

During the windy third round, James shot a 2-over 74 and was 3-under and T17 heading into the final round. In the final round, he shot a 4-over 76 and finished 1-over and T33.

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James is currently ranked No. 2 in the Golfweek/AmateurGolf.com World Rankings.

Teeing off in the afternoon alongside Michael Thorbjornsen and Niklas Norgaard, James faced challenging conditions and opened and closed his round with back-to-back birdies.

The opening birdie has some flare, as he knocked his approach to 2 feet and swept in the putt and then took advantage of his length on the par-5 2nd hole to make another birdie. He closed the round with another short birdie putt of 5 feet. He sits in a tie for sixth place. 

James aims to leverage his familiarity with the course and his collegiate success to stay in touch with the leaders over the weekend.

What a finish for Ben James!

In his season debut on the @PGATOUR he cards a 6️⃣8️⃣ and is tied for 6th after round ☝️#GoHoos pic.twitter.com/aJaCtcIgN7

— Virginia Men's Golf (@UVAMensGolf) April 4, 2025