James Nicholas wins Astara Golf Championship for first Tour title

28-year-old New Yorker earns maiden Korn Ferry Tour victory with eagle on final hole

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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James Nicholas, a 28-year-old from New York, earned his first career Korn Ferry Tour title by winning the Astara Golf Championship presented by Mastercard. Nicholas carded a final-round 5-under 66, including an eagle on the par-5 18th hole, to finish at 19-under par and win by two strokes over Norman Xiong.

Why it matters

Nicholas' victory marks a breakthrough performance for the young golfer, who had previously finished no higher than third on the Korn Ferry Tour. The win moves him up to No. 3 on the 2026 Korn Ferry Tour points list and puts him in strong position to earn his PGA Tour card for next season.

The details

Nicholas overcame three bogeys with six birdies and the clutch eagle on the final hole to claim the title. He played 29 holes on Sunday due to weather delays during the third round. This was Nicholas' third appearance at the Astara Championship, having missed the cut in 2022 and finished T19 in 2025 before winning this year.

  • Nicholas played 29 holes on Sunday due to weather delays during the third round.
  • The final round was played on February 8, 2026.

The players

James Nicholas

A 28-year-old professional golfer from New York who earned his first career Korn Ferry Tour title at the Astara Golf Championship.

Norman Xiong

A professional golfer who finished second, two strokes behind Nicholas, at the Astara Golf Championship.

Carson Young

A professional golfer who finished third at the Astara Golf Championship after posting a final-round 6-under 65.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

Nicholas' victory at the Astara Golf Championship represents a significant milestone in his professional career, as he secures his first Korn Ferry Tour title and positions himself well to earn a PGA Tour card for the 2027 season.