James Nicholas

Professional golfer | Yale 🏈 + Golf 19' |

[PGA TOUR @PGATOUR]

New York native @_James_Nicholas hit Thursday's opening tee shot at the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, but it was far from ceremonial.

Nicholas took the early lead with two birdies in his first six holes, and he steadied the ship after a missed 1-foot bogey putt at the seventh hole to sign for a 1-over 71, just three strokes back of early leader Sam Stevens.

Nicholas competed on the @KornFerryTour last week in Amarillo, Texas, before an adventurous trip to Long Island that included a 4-hour evening drive from Amarillo to Albuquerque.

Nicholas, who played collegiate football at Yale before turning his full-time attention to golf, was greeted by numerous fans and family members after signing his card Thursday.

One fan who wasn't on-site but followed along: former @NYJets quarterback Joe Namath, whose Jets team physician was Nicholas' grandpa. The elder Nicholas performed four knee operations that prolonged Namath's career.

After a strong start at Shinnecock, Nicholas could have a prolonged stay at the U.S. Open as well.

[U.S. Open @usopengolf]

What a moment for the Nicholas family 🥹

James makes the U.S. Open cut close to his hometown, and had quite the cheering section there to help him soak it in.

[U.S. Open @usopengolf]

First tee shot of the championship -> will play the weekend.

See you tomorrow, @_james_nicholas!

[Korn Ferry Tour @KornFerryTour]

"Playing out here in front of all my friends and family is making me cry. It means so much."

@_James_Nicholas finished +3 and will see the weekend @USOpenGolf.

[Korn Ferry Tour @KornFerryTour]

From pinch-me moment to believing he belongs 👏

@_James_Nicholas on the confidence he's gained since last year's @USOpenGolf.

[New York Jets @nyjets]

a friend of Joe’s is a friend of ours. Let’s get it @_james_nicholas!

[Monday Q Info @acaseofthegolf1]

James Nicholas is hitting the opening tee shot at at Shinnecock tomorrow morning at 6:35. I asked him tonight what time he was getting up.

[Korn Ferry Tour @KornFerryTour]

First birdie of the week belongs to New York's own.

James Nicholas is T1 @USOpenGolf.

[BONES @Julio_Bones_]

James Nicholas is the white man’s Bo Jackson.

[GOLF.com @GOLF_com]

There’s nothing like a U.S. Open.

@_james_nicholas and @jenniferkupcho talked about why it means to them this week on Cupcakes with Kupcho presented by @Protiviti.

[U.S. Open @usopengolf]

Good morning!

POV: You're taking on Shinnecock's 10th with New York native @_james_nicholas.

[Korn Ferry Tour @KornFerryTour]

Update: New York native @_James_Nicholas has successfully arrived at Shinnecock Hills ... AND he will hit Thursday's opening tee shot at 6:35 a.m. ET.

[Brentley Romine @BrentleyGC]

America's husband, aka James Nicholas, will hit the first tee shot Thursday at the 126th #USOpen at Shinnecock

[Monday Q Info @acaseofthegolf1]

James Nicholas is one of the nicest dudes in golf. Always willing to do an interview, always willing to talk during difficult situations. And has chased it all over the world. And he has improved each year.

On Thursday he will hit the opening shot at the U.S. Open in his home state.

Pretty Cool.

[Korn Ferry Tour @KornFerryTour]

After completing a final-round 68 @OccuNetClassic in Amarillo, @_James_Nicholas had to hustle to the airport ... for good reason.

The New York native is headed to the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills and hopes to start practicing on Monday morning ✈️ ⛳️

[Golf Channel @GolfChannel]

New Yorker James Nicholas is on his way to another @USOpenGolf ✅

His family won't have to travel far to see him compete at Shinnecock Hills next Thursday 🙌

But now, it's time to celebrate at Sherwood's in Westchester County

[U.S. Open @usopengolf]

4-under through 9 holes.

James Nicholas is running HOT with the early lead at Century Country Club.

Follow the action: https://t.co/pJPKXqwrM5

[Monday Q Info @acaseofthegolf1]

James Nicholas has qualified for his second straight U.S. Open.

[U.S. Open @usopengolf]

One year after earning his first U.S. Open start, James Nicholas is back in final qualifying, chasing a spot at Shinnecock in his home state of New York.

This is how he prepared for Golf's Longest Day.

Watch live coverage today on @GolfChannel.

[U.S. Open @usopengolf]

What does tonight's celebration look like for James Nicholas?

THE BEST RIBS 😋