High Point University senior James Hassell has continued to build momentum during the 2026 to 2027 college golf season, highlighted by a third place finish at the Ironwood Collegiate Classic and Big South Men’s Golfer of the Week honors on October 1.
A native of Vero Beach, Florida, Hassell has also established a strong amateur golf record, winning the 2024 Florida Amateur Match Play Championship, earning low amateur honors at the 2024 Florida Open and competing in the 2026 U.S. Amateur Championship.
Career Highlights
- 2026 Big South Men’s Golfer of the Week
- Third at the 2026 Ironwood Collegiate Classic at seven under par, 209
- Tied for ninth at the 2026 Wofford Invitational
- Recorded a collegiate best round of 66 at the Wofford Invitational
- Tied for third at the 2026 Sapona Intercollegiate
- Earned Sapona Intercollegiate All Tournament Team honors
- 2024 Florida Amateur Match Play champion
- 2024 Florida Open low amateur
- Competed in the 2026 U.S. Amateur Championship
- Runner up at the 2026 Florida Match Play Championship
- 2020 Florida Class 3A individual state champion
- 2020 Florida Class 3A district champion
- Recorded 21 top 10 finishes on the Florida Junior Tour
Collegiate Results Snapshot
2026 to 2027 Senior Season | High Point
Ironwood Collegiate Classic
- Finished third out of 90 competitors at seven under par, 209
- Recorded rounds of 67, 71 and 71
- Made 11 birdies across three rounds
- Earned Big South Men’s Golfer of the Week honors on October 1, 2026
2025 to 2026 | High Point
Sapona Intercollegiate
- Tied for third at even par
- Earned All Tournament Team honors
Wofford Invitational
- Tied for ninth
- Recorded a collegiate best round of 66, five under par
Hassell competed in 11 rounds during the season, including five as an individual.
2023 to 2025 | South Florida
- Redshirted during the 2023 to 2024 season
- Did not compete in collegiate tournaments during the 2024 to 2025 season
- Transferred to High Point after two seasons with the Bulls
Interview Highlights with CGN
Growing up in Florida
Hassell developed his game in Vero Beach, competing in junior tournaments throughout Florida. He credited the state’s year round playing conditions and competitive fields for helping him improve his consistency. He also acknowledged the support he received from local golf facilities and clubs.
Playing baseball and golf
Hassell played baseball and soccer growing up alongside golf. He explained that he swings left handed in golf but batted right handed in baseball, where he primarily competed as a pitcher.
Winning the Florida state championship
Hassell won the 2020 Florida Class 3A individual state championship while attending Vero Beach High School. He began practicing more frequently during the COVID period, which contributed to improved tournament results and strengthened his interest in collegiate golf.
College recruiting process
Hassell regularly contacted college coaches with tournament schedules and results during his recruitment. He emphasized the importance of maintaining communication and updating coaches on his performances.
Experience at South Florida
Hassell spent two seasons at South Florida without making a collegiate tournament appearance. He discussed the difficulty of earning a place in the Bulls’ competitive lineup and a health issue near the end of his sophomore year that affected his opportunities to compete.
Transferring to High Point
After entering the transfer portal, Hassell contacted coaches and visited several programs before choosing High Point. He appreciated the team’s environment and the individual attention provided by the coaching staff.
Adjusting to High Point
Hassell described the academic transition as more demanding than expected because some credits did not transfer. He also adjusted to different playing conditions and worked with coaches to improve his game. His results improved toward the end of his first season with the Panthers.
Success in amateur golf
Hassell won the 2024 Florida Amateur Match Play Championship and earned low amateur honors at the 2024 Florida Open.
During the summer of 2026, he competed in the U.S. Amateur Championship and finished runner up at the Florida Match Play Championship. He participated in numerous tournaments throughout the summer to build on his collegiate progress.
Importance of match play
Hassell discussed how competing in match play events helped prepare him for the Big South Conference championship format. He also enjoyed playing four ball competition, which reminded him of the enjoyment and teamwork involved in golf.
Strong start to the 2026 to 2027 season
Hassell opened the season with a third place finish at the Ironwood Collegiate Classic, shooting seven under par. The performance earned him Big South Men’s Golfer of the Week recognition on October 1.
Senior season goals
Hassell wants to build on his recent tournament results and maintain the improvements he has developed with his coaches. His focus remains on carrying that consistency through the rest of his senior season.