Ben James Takes Four-Shot Lead Into Final Round at Los Cabos

Ben James carded a 6-under 66 on Saturday to reach 21-under 195 at the World Wide Technology Championship.

Ben James opened his third round with three consecutive birdies to card a 6-under 66, moving to 21-under 195 at the World Wide Technology Championship. Playing at the Tiger Woods-designed El Cardonal at Diamante, James leads Ryan Gerard by four strokes entering Sunday. The former top-ranked PGA Tour University player secured his cushion on the par-5 18th, pitching to within 2 feet to set up a closing birdie.

Gerard moved into second place with a bogey-free 65, though he missed a 6-foot birdie attempt on the final hole. Currently ranked No. 23 in the world, Gerard opted to play in Mexico over the Abu Dhabi event despite being No. 70 in the Race to Dubai. He utilized a blade putter during the round after switching from a mallet style mid-tournament to better suit the Paspalum grass.

James, who turned professional out of Virginia in June, previously held a 36-hole lead at the RBC Canadian Open before finishing outside the top 50 following a third-round 78. During Saturday's play in Los Cabos, he limited mistakes to a single bogey on the front nine. On the 15th hole, he executed a 5-iron approach that caught a ridge and settled 2 feet from the cup for birdie.

Chris Kirk and Denny McCarthy sit five shots back after rounds of 65 and 67, respectively. Alvaro Ortiz, who recently secured his PGA Tour card via the Korn Ferry Tour, is six strokes behind the lead following a 66. A victory for James would likely elevate him into the top 50 of the Official World Golf Ranking and secure a spot in the Championship Series for the 2028 tour model.