Westchester’s James Nicholas chasing home-state U.S. Open moment

James Nicholas, a 29-year-old golfer from Scarsdale, is no stranger to the U.S. Open stage. Last year, he made his debut at Oakmont, where he had a strong start with a 1-under-par 69 in the first round. Despite a tough second round, Nicholas managed to make the cut and finish tied for 61st.

This year, Nicholas is back at the U.S. Open, determined to improve on his previous performance. After opening with a 1-over-par 71 at Shinnecock, he is currently tied for 29th, trailing leader Wyndham Clark. Reflecting on his experience at Oakmont, Nicholas is focused on managing his expectations and avoiding the pressure that comes with playing in a major championship.

Playing in his home state of New York has added a special significance to this year’s U.S. Open for Nicholas. With family and friends in the gallery, he teed off as the first player of the tournament at 6:45 a.m., describing the moment as “an honor.” Despite some early success with birdies, Nicholas faced challenges throughout the round but remained resilient.

A multi-sport athlete in his youth, Nicholas ultimately chose to pursue golf over hockey and football. He has since developed a passion for photography and social media, documenting his golf journey on platforms like YouTube. Maintaining a positive attitude and a broader perspective on life, Nicholas sees golf as a dream to aspire to, rather than a defining identity.

As he navigates the pressures of the U.S. Open, Nicholas is embracing the opportunity to showcase his skills and share his experience with fans through his social media channels. With a focus on staying true to himself and enjoying the moment, Nicholas is determined to make the most of his second U.S. Open appearance and continue pursuing his passion for the game.