After a Last-Hour Withdrawal Opened the Door, Ben Kohles Reflects on His Whirlwind Week
Rocket Mortgage Classic Ben Kohles of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida hits from the 4th tee during the thirsd round of the Rocket Mortgage Classic at Detroit Golf Club on Saturday, June 29, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit Michigan United States PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxFRA Copyright: xAmyxLemusx originalFilename:lemus-rocketmo240629_npAz2.jpg
Rocket Mortgage Classic Ben Kohles of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida hits from the 4th tee during the thirsd round of the Rocket Mortgage Classic at Detroit Golf Club on Saturday, June 29, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit Michigan United States PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxFRA Copyright: xAmyxLemusx originalFilename:lemus-rocketmo240629_npAz2.jpg
In just one week, Ben Kohles won on the Korn Ferry Tour, qualified for the U.S. Open after getting only four hours of sleep, and received a last-minute spot in a PGA Tour event. Despite the busy and challenging week, he is not complaining.
Kohles spoke at a press conference on Thursday, June 11, ahead of the RBC Canadian Open at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley in Caledon. He entered the field as the last man in after a late withdrawal opened a spot.
"Obviously getting in, you know, pretty late last hour or so with tee times to go," Kohles said. "I was just proud of myself today for just staying in it, staying focused."
September 13, 2025, Napa, California, United States: NAPA, CA - SEPTEMBER 13: Ben Kohles of the United States putts on hole 12 during the Procore Championship 2025 - Round Three at Silverado Resort on September 13, 2025 in Napa, California. Napa United States - ZUMAt139 20250913_aaa_t139_091 Copyright: xAlxChang/IsixPhotosx
September 13, 2025, Napa, California, United States: NAPA, CA - SEPTEMBER 13: Ben Kohles of the United States putts on hole 12 during the Procore Championship 2025 - Round Three at Silverado Resort on September 13, 2025 in Napa, California. Napa United States - ZUMAt139 20250913_aaa_t139_091 Copyright: xAlxChang/IsixPhotosx
The stretch started with a Korn Ferry Tour win at the BMW Charity Pro-Am, where he shot 15-under 268 to win by four shots. He packed his clubs that same evening and flew to Washington, D.C., to compete in the U.S. Open final qualifying stage at Woodmont Country Club the next day.
He slept for only four hours but still shot rounds of 65 and 70 over 36 holes. Kohles finished tied for second place and earned a spot in the 2026 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills.
After qualifying, Kohles flew to Canada and joined the RBC Canadian Open when a player withdrew from the tournament. He said he did not worry about whether he would get into the field. If he had not gotten a spot, he planned to fly home, spend time with his family, and then return for his next event.
"For me, it was win-win," he said. "Whatever happens, happens."
His caddie, Joel Stock, has kept him grounded throughout the week. Kohles said he stayed in lock-in mode rather than pausing to reflect on what the week had produced.
Ben Kohles Says He Hasn't Had Time to Celebrate and Does Not Plan to Stop Playing
Celebration has not featured in Kohles' schedule. The BMW win rolled straight into the qualifier, and the qualifier rolled straight into Canada. He said the only mode available to him has been forward.
"I just feel relaxed and free," he said. "Getting in was all a bonus, and it's all gravy from here."
He heads to Shinnecock Hills next week with a healthy body and a game he described as being in a strong spot. Kohles noted he has been playing more events than in years past across both tours, splitting time between the PGA Tour and Korn Ferry Tour.
So, do you think Ben Kohles can carry this momentum into the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills? Let us know in the comments.
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Written by
Sneha Abraham
Edited by
Soheli Tarafdar