Much like the rest of Bachelor Nation, Ben Higgins is excited to see how Matt James’ journey as “The Bachelor” unfolds this season.
“He’s a really good guy,” The former “Bachelor” recently told Page Six of ABC’s newest leading man.
“He cares a lot. He’s incredibly naive to this experience, he had no idea what he was getting himself into, and that’s kind of endearing because I think he really just wants to do his best, to be his best, and he will do great things,” Higgins, 31, continued.
In June, James — the BFF of “Bachelorette” alum Tyler Cameron — was named the first Black “Bachelor” in franchise history.
Prior to his casting, James, 29, had not appeared on “The Bachelorette,” unlike Higgins, who vied for Kaitlyn Bristowe’s affections in 2015 before becoming “The Bachelor” a year later.
While James’ love story is still being written, Higgins is looking ahead to his next chapter. Not only is he engaged to girlfriend Jessica Clarke, but he’s also preparing for the release of his book, “Alone in Plain Sight.”
“[It’s] a book really intended for people who feel like the outsider looking in, who feel disconnected themselves, to others, to romance, to God, a book hopefully highlighting my story, and the story of many others to help us feel less alone,” Higgins said.
Prior to the book’s February release, however, Higgins will be practicing his golf swing as part of the Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions, which gets underway Thursday at the Four Seasons Golf and Sports Club in Orlando, Florida.
“One, I love golf. And two, I’m a former athlete, and when I say former, I mean very former athlete, and I don’t get to compete in anything anymore,” Higgins, who is competing in the tournament for a second time, told us.
Diamond Resorts CEO Mike Flaskey said he’s “thrilled” to welcome Higgins back this year.
![Ben Higgins participates in the 2020 Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions](https://pagesix.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/01/11821-ben-higgins-tournament-1.jpg?quality=90&strip=all)
“This is a one-of-a-kind tournament that brings together amazing celebrity golfers to compete alongside the LPGA’s best. The tournament is also driven by a serious mission to support the community and to date, the tournament has raised nearly $4 million for charity,” Flaskey said in a statement.
“Last year, Ben and I were neck and neck throughout the competition and I’m looking forward to getting back out on the course. I know he’ll bring his best game!” Flaskey continued.
Higgins said he is excited about spending some quality time with his father at the tournament, which is adhering to COVID-19 protocols and limited attendance.
“My dad is my caddie, and he takes it really seriously, and it’s awesome to have … these memories together, walking down the fairway with legends that he and I grew up watching on TV,” Higgins said.