James Robert Payne (born 17 April 1970) is an English professional golfer.

He had a promising career as a tournament golfer which petered out by his early thirties, partly due to injury problems which had required him to undergo a spinal fusion operation at the age of 24.

He played with Jack Nicklaus in the final round of the 1991 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale and finished as leading amateur.

He turned professional after playing in the Walker Cup later that year.

European Tour playoff record (1–0) Note: Payne only played in The Open Championship.