Ahead of his professional debut at the RBC Canadian Open, Ben James has enlisted veteran caddie Tim Tucker, best known for helping Bryson DeChambeau win the 2020 U.S. Open.

James held the top spot in the PGA TOUR University Ranking for the entire season. As a result, he earned full exemption for the remainder of the 2026 season and all of the 2027 season.

The partnership will begin at the RBC Canadian Open, set to take place at TPC Toronto from June 11 to 14.

Tucker was alongside LIV golfer Bryson DeChambeau when he lifted the 2020 U.S. Open with an iconic performance. Moreover, he was with the two-time major champion when he secured seven other PGA Tour victories.

He parted ways with DeChambeau midweek during the Rocket Mortgage Classic in 2021 and later caddied for Kurt Kitayama during his 2023 Arnold Palmer Invitational victory.

After a recent stint with six-time PGA Tour winner Tony Finau, Tucker will now guide James through a packed stretch that includes the RBC Canadian Open, U.S. Open, and Travelers Championship.

James will face immediate pressure to convert his amateur success into a PGA Tour cut.

A Look At James' Amateur Career

During his college career, James recorded seven victories and 35 top-10 finishes in 46 starts. He led the Cavaliers to two ACC championships (2025, 2026) and a national runner-up finish in 2025.

The top-ranked PGA TOUR University player earned full PGA Tour status through 2027, allowing him to bypass qualifying school and turn professional immediately.

He was also a member of the U.S. Walker Cup and Arnold Palmer Cup teams and, in 2021, won the Junior Players Championship.

James also won the NCAA Winston-Salem Regional, finishing his amateur career as the No. 2 player in the World Amateur Golf Ranking.

With full PGA Tour status secured through 2027, James now begins the challenge of competing against the world's best players.

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Written by

Avishek Sarkar

Edited by

Pulkit Prabhav