GCAA Names Ben James, William Sides All-Americans
The Golf Coaches Association of America announced its 10-member Division I PING All-America First Team on June 3, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Golf
The Golf Coaches Association of America named Ben James and William Sides to the Division I PING All-America First Team on June 3, 2026. These selections highlight the top collegiate performers based on their play throughout the season.
Why it matters
These honors recognize the elite collegiate golfers whose performances during the 2025-26 season separated them from their peers. The selections celebrate sustained excellence across major tournament structures, including regional and regular-season events.
Ben James is only the fifth golfer since 1958 to earn four-time First Team All-American status, while William Sides achieved a 68.4 scoring average this season. Sides also secured three individual titles and reached No. 7 in the Scoreboard rankings.
The players
Ben James
A golfer from the University of Virginia who recently qualified for his PGA TOUR card.
William Sides
An SMU golfer who finished his season with three individual titles and a 68.4 scoring average.
Golf Coaches Association of America
The organization responsible for selecting collegiate All-American teams based on player performance.
The details
Ben James, a Virginia product, earned his spot after winning his second NCAA Regional title in May 2026 with a 54-hole score of 194. William Sides of SMU capped his standout season with three individual titles, consistently demonstrating dominance throughout his tournament appearances.
Timeline
1958 marked the year the GCAA began naming All-Americans.
2023-26 spans the period Ben James earned his four-time First Team honors.
April 2026 saw Ben James lead Virginia to an ACC title.
May 2026 was when Ben James won his NCAA Regional title.
June 3, 2026, was the date the GCAA announced the All-America teams.
Season Trajectory
These All-American honors formalize the end of a competitive college season that saw top stars like Ben James transition toward professional play. The selections validate the performance metrics that ultimately dictate player rankings and professional tour qualification.
Ben James finishing atop the PGA TOUR University rankings confirms his eligibility for the professional tour next season. William Sides's peak ranking of No. 7 and his 68.4 scoring average highlight his status as a top draft prospect for future professional scouting.
The takeaway
The GCAA selections highlight the high level of talent emerging from collegiate golf programs and moving into professional ranks. Fans looking to follow the sport should pay attention to players with top scoring averages and multiple regional title wins as indicators of future professional success.
Further reading
For more information on the current season, visit Golf.
