MIAMI, Fla. – Virginia sophomore golfer Ben James won the South Beach International Amateur on Friday. James finished at 12-uner 271 to win by two shots. The four-round event was played at Miami Beach Golf Club and Normandy Shores Golf Course.
James posted rounds of 70, 67, 66 and 68 to pick up the victory. The event is ranked as the No. 6 amateur tournament in the world. James becomes the second Cavalier to capture the title. Danny Walker won the event in 2016.
Last year James was named the Phil Mickelson Award winner as the nation’s top freshman golfer. He was a PING first-team All-American, the ACC Freshman of the Year and one of three finalists for the Haskins Award presented to the nation’s top golfer. He helped Team USA to the Walker Cup title last summer.
Three other Cavaliers also competed at the South Beach International Amateur and made the 36-hole cut. Deven Patel tied for 18th, Josh Duangmanee tied for 40th and George Duangmanee tied for 73rd.
Virginia will play its first team event in the spring on Feb. 11-13 at the Puerto Rico Classic.
..