Protiviti Brand Ambassador James Nicholas Wins Astara Golf Championship

Nicholas secures first career victory on Korn Ferry Tour, Protiviti donates 25,000 meals through Birdies for Meals program

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Protiviti golf brand ambassador and professional golfer James Nicholas won the Astara Golf Championship presented by Mastercard in Bogota, Colombia. Nicholas completed rounds of 68-65-66-66 (-19) to secure his first career victory on the Korn Ferry Tour, moving him to third place on the tour's points list. To commemorate the win, Protiviti donated 25,000 meals through its Birdies for Meals campaign, which has donated over 800,000 meals since 2021.

Why it matters

The win marks a significant milestone in Nicholas' professional golf career, as he continues his ascent towards the PGA Tour. Protiviti's support of Nicholas and the Birdies for Meals program demonstrates the firm's commitment to developing talent and giving back to communities in need.

The details

Nicholas entered the final round tied for the lead but trailed Norman Xiong by one with three holes to play. He birdied the 16th hole and eagled the 18th to secure a two-stroke victory on the Fundadores Course at the Country Club de Bogota-Lagos.

  • Nicholas won the Astara Golf Championship on February 9, 2026.
  • Protiviti's Birdies for Meals program launched in 2021 and has donated over 800,000 meals to date.

The players

James Nicholas

A professional golfer and Protiviti brand ambassador who secured his first career victory on the Korn Ferry Tour at the Astara Golf Championship.

Protiviti

A global consulting firm that has been named to the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® list for 11 consecutive years and supports Nicholas through its brand ambassador program and Birdies for Meals initiative.

Norman Xiong

A professional golfer who led Nicholas by one stroke with three holes remaining in the final round of the Astara Golf Championship.

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What they’re saying

“James Nicholas delivered a fantastic performance at this year's Astara Golf Championship, and we're thrilled to celebrate his first career win on the Korn Ferry Tour. We are proud to support James on his ascent to the highest levels of professional golf, as we are to support all our talented colleagues globally on their career journeys. We are excited to commemorate this win by helping food-insecure communities, contributing 25,000 meals through our Birdies for Meals initiative.”

— Joseph Tarantino, President and CEO, Protiviti (PRNewswire)

“I am so thrilled about this victory and especially to be able to share it with everyone at Protiviti. Their partnership has been fantastic over the past year, and I am excited that this win will provide 25,000 meals through the Birdies for Meals program.”

— James Nicholas (PRNewswire)

What’s next

The Korn Ferry Tour will continue its 2026 season, with Nicholas looking to build on his victory and secure a spot on the PGA Tour.

The takeaway

Protiviti's support of rising golf talent like James Nicholas, combined with its commitment to giving back through initiatives like Birdies for Meals, demonstrates the firm's holistic approach to developing people and making a positive impact in the communities it serves.