Ben James of Virginia shot a final round 3-under 68 to win the 2023 South Beach International Amateur at Miami Beach Golf Club and Normandy Shores Golf Course. The 2-2023 Walker Cupper James finished 12-under to beat Michael La Sasso of Ole Miss and 15-year-old phenom Miles Russell of Jacksonville, Fla., who finished at 10-under.
James is a sophomore at Virginia from Milford, Conn. The 2023 Walker Cupper shot rounds of 70-67-66-68 to win.
In the final round, James recorded four birdies and one bogey.
James has racked up many accolades since beginning his collegiate career at Virginia.
He has been named ACC Freshman of the Year, a finalist for the Haskins Award and the Jack Nicklaus Award, was the only freshman on the final Haskins and Nicklaus awards watch lists, was an All-ACC selection and an All PING East-Region and was selected for 2023 U.S. Palmer Cup team, where he helped Team USA to victory.
James also helped Team USA to the Walker Cup victory, was the winner of the 2023 Phil Mickelson Outstanding Freshman Award, was a First-Team PING All-American and was First-Team All-Freshman by the Golf Coaches Association of America.
Russell shot three rounds of even-par, but in the second round, they shot a 10-under 60, which tied the Normandy Shores Golf Course course record set by PGA Tour star Adam Svensson. Russell recorded 10 birdies through the first 16 holes and parred Holes Nos. 17 and 18 to just miss out on breaking 60.
Windy conditions at the Miami Beach Golf Club made scoring difficult for the third straight day.
James becomes the second UVA player to take home the SBIA crystal trophy, tying the University of Texas for most South Beach International Amateur wins.
In total, 209 players contended from 26 countries.