SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. — James Nicholas once shared the ice with NHL superstar Auston Matthews, but on Thursday he was teeing off at Shinnecock Hills in the U.S. Open, showcasing his diverse athletic background.
A Unique Athletic Journey
Nicholas, 29, played hockey against Matthews during his youth, later excelling in football and golf at Yale. He woke up at 3:55 a.m. on Thursday, filmed a YouTube video, and then shot a one-over par 71 in the opening round of his second U.S. Open.
“I’m playing in the U.S. Open this week, but that’s not my identity,” Nicholas said. “I defined myself as an athlete as a kid, but now I have a different perspective. Golf is a silly game, and the more you laugh it off, the better you become.”
Life on the Korn Ferry Tour
For the past two years, Nicholas has competed on the Korn Ferry Tour, following a stint on the DP World Tour in Europe. He documents his journey on YouTube and through photography, and was featured in the USGA’s Longest Day documentary about U.S. Open qualifiers.
His content creation never stops. Before his early tee time, he made a video with his Meta Glasses, thinking of his subscribers, including NHL friend Charlie McAvoy, who once caddied for him.
“I said, ‘I’m playing Round 1 of the U.S. Open. Let’s just go have a great day,’” Nicholas recalled. “Instead of saying I have to, I say I get to do this.”
A Foggy Start
Play was halted for a two-hour fog delay just two holes after Nicholas hit the first tee shot of the 2026 U.S. Open. “It’s going to throw a wrench in my afternoon beach plans, but it’s okay,” he joked.
A Family of Athletes
Sports run in the Nicholas family. His grandfather, Dr. James A. Nicholas, was a legendary sports surgeon who performed knee surgeries on Joe Namath. His father, Dr. Stephen J. Nicholas, was the longtime orthopedist for the New York Jets, Knicks, Rangers, and Islanders.
Nicholas’s four siblings are also athletes. His youngest brother Brian plays NCAA Division I hockey at Brown University, sister Erin won four national championships in field hockey at Middlebury College, and brother Stephen and twin sister Michaela played football, golf, and field hockey at Franklin & Marshall.
“Getting into the U.S. Open is great, but your family still loves you the same,” Nicholas said. “I’m a golfer playing in the U.S. Open this week, but that’s not my identity.”
