State teen’s prediction comes true in earning field invite

CROMWELL — Thirty-six practice holes in, 19-year-old Milford native and University of Virginia commit Ben James expects to have a “good week” in his PGA debut. When James told his mother he made the Travelers Championship field, she sent him an old selfie.

It was a photo of the two of them standing behind the ninth green. Then 14 years old, James imagined himself decked out in his white polo and Titleist hat, crouching down to read the greens much as he was on Tuesday.

“I knew I was gonna get in this tournament, I had confidence and it’s cool to just see myself out here playing instead of watching this year,” James said from the same spot he posed for his mother’s front-facing camera five years ago.

The first time James played 18 holes at TPC River Highlands was in Monday’s pro-am where his group finished in second place at 14-under. James, who received a sponsor’s exemption into the field, will tee off at 2 p.m. on Thursday.

“(The back nine) is hard. Coming in, I’ve never played it, but I mean the driver’s the best club in my bag and I’m gonna hit that on 17,” he said. “That’s my weapon, so I’m gonna use it.”

He put his driver to work on Tuesday but spent most of his time reading the greens. He’d putt his ball, then throw down another and putt that, too. On the ninth hole, James took a shot from a left-side bunker that — after majestically flying through the sand — landed just a few yards away from the cup. After sinking that one easily, he rolled another just outside the green — a much tougher shot — just in case he ended up there.

After getting his first two full looks at the course, James was impressed. “(It) is in really good shape. The greens are fast and firm, the bunkers are great,” he said.

Currently ranked No. 1 in the American Junior Golf Association rankings, James won the Dustin Johnson World Junior Championship in March and

the Team Taylormade Invitational in May.

Among the crowds following several of the world’s top golfers, James’ crowd of support will make the 45-minute trip and is sure to be heard compete come tee time on Thursday.

“It’s gonna be awesome,” he said. “To have my high school team, have my family, have some friends (here). I’m excited. I’m hitting it great, body feels good and I expect to have a good week.”