Ben James Shoots 64 to Lead World Wide Technology Championship

Ben James leads the World Wide Technology Championship by one stroke after posting a second-round 64 at El Cardonal at Diamante.

Ben James carded an 8-under 64 on Friday at El Cardonal at Diamante to take a one-shot lead at the World Wide Technology Championship. The former University of Virginia golfer reached a 15-under 129 total after 36 holes, marked by a stretch of five consecutive birdies around the turn. This performance represents his 14th round of 65 or lower across 13 professional tournaments since turning pro this summer.

James secured his position at the top of the leaderboard by holing an 18-foot birdie putt on the par-5 18th hole. Peter Malnati sits in second place at 14-under par following his own round of 64. Malnati dropped out of a tie for the lead on his final hole, the par-3 ninth, where he missed a 12-foot par save after failing to reach the green with his tee shot. Zac Blair remains in contention at 12-under par after posting a 68, trailing the leader by three strokes.

According to the Associated Press, James has already secured his PGA Tour card for next season as the top-ranked player from the PGA Tour University. A win in Los Cabos would qualify him for the 2028 Championship Series and elevate him into the top 50 of the Official World Golf Ranking. This marks the second time James has held a lead entering a PGA Tour weekend, following the RBC Canadian Open where he fell out of contention with a third-round 78.