Great River Golf Instructor Coaches PGA Tour Pro Ben James

A two-decade coach-player relationship helped turn a Milford child prodigy into the PGA Tour's newest member

Key Highlights

• Tom Rosati, Great River Golf Club director of instruction, has coached Milford native Ben James since he was just 4 years old, culminating in James earning his PGA Tour card
• Rosati continues to support James on tour, working alongside him at major events including the U.S. Open and Travelers Championship
• James regularly returns to Great River Golf Club to mentor junior golfers, inspiring young players where his own journey began

Tom Rosati, director of instruction at Sacred Heart University's Great River Golf Club, has coached 23-year-old Ben James since he was 4 years old, helping the Milford native earn his PGA Tour card.

James, who officially went pro in June, competed in the U.S. Open Golf Championship, the Canadian Open, and most recently, the Travelers Championship. Rosati worked with James every step of the way, beginning when James first picked up a club as a toddler.

Rosati started working at Great River in 2001, training students from across New England. He describes James as a prodigy whose natural ability stood out from the start.

“I truly believe he was given this God-given gift to play the game,” Rosati said. “It's a game and he plays the game by feel. He's incredibly talented, and you have to nurture that.”

According to Rosati, raw talent alone does not explain James's rise. “His work ethic is off the charts,” he said.

Rosati continues to work with James. He was with him in Long Island, NY, for the U.S. Open and walked the course with James prior to the start of the Travelers Championship in Cromwell.

For Rosati, the journey carries personal meaning. “I grew up playing the game, I love the game,” he said. “But to see someone like this, from Milford, be at my club and grow up here, and to be a part of it, it's just amazing. I'm blessed to do it.”

James remains connected to the club where his career began. He returns to Great River to work with the juniors Rosati coaches, helping the next generation of players sharpen their skills. Those young golfers are better for the experience, Rosati said.

James’ parents recently hosted a celebration at Great River with friends and family to commend his many achievements.

“It’s great to see so many people here supporting me, I’m lucky to have it,” James said. “It’s great to be back here where I started learning the game of golf.”

When asked about Rosati’s impact on him, James said, “He’s done so much for me … Tom doesn’t ask for anything in return, he just wants the best for me and the best for all his students. He works super hard, and he’s super welcoming to everyone. I wouldn’t be here without him.”

Pictured from left: Ben James with Tom Rosati and Ed Kennedy, executive director of Great River Golf Club.