Derek James (born 28 September 1960) is a South African professional golfer currently playing on the Sunshine Tour.

James was born in Durban and lives in Southbroom with his wife and two children.

He was the 1984 South African Strokeplay champion, his biggest amateur win.

He turned professional later that year and joined the Sunshine Tour.

He was also runner-up in the South African Open in 1992, and won the Canadian Tournament Players' Championship in 1994, in addition to picking up three minor tournament victories in the United States.