NC State’s Nicholas Mathews wins season opener, moves to No. 13 in PGA TOUR University Ranking

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. – Led by a 14-under total and six-stroke victory from Nicholas Mathews, North Carolina State University swept the individual and team titles in its season opener at the Rod Myers Invitational (Sept. 22-23). The win was Mathews’ second title in his last five collegiate starts, and the senior improved six spots to No. 13 in this week’s PGA TOUR University Ranking.

At the Valero Texas Collegiate (Sept. 21-23), Oklahoma’s Andrew Goodman continued his strong start to the season, posting a T8 finish and moving to No. 14 in PGA TOUR University. The Norman, Oklahoma, native opened his fall campaign with a T7 at the Inverness Intercollegiate, and the pair of top-10s has moved him up seven spots in the ranking since the start of the season.

Virginia junior Ben James won the individual title at the Valero Texas Collegiate, and the victory earned him an exemption into the PGA TOUR’s Valero Texas Open next April. Currently No. 4 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, James has 11 points in PGA TOUR University Accelerated and played four TOUR events this year, with his best finish being T44 at the Rocket Mortgage Classic.

Auburn’s Brendan Valdes (No. 4) and Vanderbilt’s Jackson Van Paris (No. 5) tied for 11th in Texas and maintained their positions in the top five of PGA TOUR University. Arizona State’s Preston Summerhays and Josele Ballester remained Nos. 1 and 2, while UCLA’s Omar Morales is No. 3.

PGA TOUR University Ranking

Week 39/2024