Ben James Leads RBC Canadian Open After Strong Start

Ben James leads the RBC Canadian Open after shooting a 7-under 63 in his professional debut. He ended the second round at 10-under 130, securing a narrow one-shot advantage.

What happened

Ben James started his second round at the RBC Canadian Open with a 25-foot eagle putt and finished with a score of 63. His performance at TPC Toronto in Caledon, Ontario, provides a one-shot lead over five competitors, including Sam Burns, who played in the final group last week at the Memorial. James played a clean round without any bogeys.

Reactions

James expressed satisfaction with his performance, stating, “It all kind of came together today. It was just one of those days.” Brooks Koepka and Tommy Fleetwood finished two shots behind, recording scores of 68 and 65, respectively. James added that he focused on comfort and camaraderie during the event rather than on results.

Why it matters

This strong debut highlights James’ emergence as a potential rising star in professional golf. With the U.S. Open approaching, he aims to build on this momentum to compete alongside experienced players. Players often seek to establish their standings in high-profile events.

Background

James secured his PGA Tour card on May 20, 2026, through the University rankings following an All-American college career at Virginia. This event marks his first professional outing after participating in nine previous tournaments, including two U.S. Opens.

What's next

As the weekend approaches, James hopes to maintain his leading position and secure a place in the final group. He will next compete in the U.S. Open on June 1, 2026, facing some of the world’s top players.