Local CT golfer wins qualifier, earns spot in upcoming U.S. Open

Milford native Ben James has qualified for the upcoming U.S. Open, finishing as the co-medalist in the final qualifier with a 36-hole total of 11-under par for the event held at the Canoe Brook Country Club in Summit, N.J., on Monday.

James, a rising junior at Virginia and a two-time All-American, shot a 5-under 67 during his morning round on the club’s North Course, then later posted a 6-under 64 on the South Course. He finished in a tie with Max Greyserman of Short Hills, N.J.

There were four spots available for this year’s Open, to be held June 13-16 at Pinehurst No. 2 in North Carolina. Andrew Svoboda of Oak Brook, Ill., was third at 9-under and Jim Herman of Cincinnati emerged from a five-way playoff at 7-under to claim the final spot.

James has been invited to play in the last two Travelers Championships and will be making his debut in one of golf’s Grand Slam events.

“I’m just excited to play in a major championship,” James said in a release from the Connecticut State Golf Association. “That was always one of my goals growing up and I’ve been so close so many times. I’m going to be ready for it.”

Other area players who competed but failed to qualify included Arthur Ouimet of East Windsor, Kyle Gallo of Berlin, Connor Goode of Glastonbury, Jackson Buccigross of South Windsor and Jason Gobleck of Madison.