Virginia’s Ben James Achieves PGA Tour Membership as Top Player in Class of 2026

CARLSBAD, Calif. — On Monday, Ben James made history by becoming the fourth golfer ever to secure PGA Tour membership through the PGA Tour University rankings. This milestone was confirmed following the conclusion of stroke play at the 2025 NCAA Men's Golf Championship. James joins the ranks of Ludvig Aberg, Michael Thorbjornsen, and David Ford in this exclusive club.

The latest PGA Tour University rankings were released on the same day, with the top 25 players gaining status on various professional tours. James emerged as the standout, clinching the top position. The golfers who finished in spots two through five will receive fully exempt membership to the Korn Ferry Tour for the upcoming 2026 season, along with an exemption to the final stage of the 2026 PGA Tour Qualifying School.

Players ranked 6-25 will gain entry into the second stage of the PGA Tour Q-School, while those from 11 to 25 will obtain fully exempt membership on the PGA Tour Americas for 2026. The PGA Tour University program was established to facilitate the transition for college golfers into the professional realm, rewarding those who commit to their collegiate careers. To qualify, players must compete at the NCAA Division I level and complete at least four years of college.

In the final standings for the PGA Tour University Class of 2026, Ben James of Virginia took the top spot. Throughout his senior year, James excelled, with his T-16 finish at the NCAA Championships marking his lowest result of the season. He is poised to become just the fifth player in college golf history to be named a four-time, first-team All-American, and now he is set to transition to the PGA Tour as a direct result of his collegiate performance.

Below are the complete rankings for the top 25 players:

1. Ben James, Virginia
2. Christiaan Maas
3. Jase Summy
4. Filip Jakubcik
5. Luke Potter
6. Tommy Morrison
7. William Sides
8. Mahanth Chirravuri
9. Frankie Harris
10. Wells Williams
11. Lance Simpson
12. Michael Mjaaseth
13. Paul Chang
14. Tom Fischer
15. Cameron Tankersley
16. Matthew Kress
17. Bryan Lee
18. Zach Pollo
19. Daniel Svard
20. Ethan Evans
21. Mesa Falleur
22. Brady Siravo
23. Garrett Endicott
24. Cohen Trolio
25. Ryan Voois