Rookie James leads by 4 strokes in 3rd round of PGA Tour WWT Championship

Rookie Ben James (USA) is on the verge of winning his first win at the PGA Tour World Wide Technology (WWT) Championship (total prize money of $6 million).

James, who graduated from college last summer and turned professional, reduced his score to 6 strokes with 7 birdies and 1 bogey in the third round of the tournament held at El Cardonal at Diamante (par 72) in Los Cabos, Mexico on the 8th (Korean time).

James, who recorded 65-64-66 strokes over the three days of the competition, maintained the sole lead with an intermediate total of 21 under par 195 strokes, widening the gap with second place Ryan Gerrard (USA, intermediate total 17 under par 199 strokes) to four strokes.

James, who has already secured the right to participate in next season by ranking first in the PGA Tour college rankings, will also receive the right to participate in the Championship Series starting in 2028 if he wins this tournament.

James, who reduced the score by 3 strokes in the first half by making 3 consecutive birdies starting from the 1st hole, strengthened his lead by adding 3 birdies in the second half.

Gerard, who is ranked 23rd in the world and is the highest ranked player in this tournament, is aiming for a comeback win on the last day by making 7 birdies without bogey.

Gerrard could have participated in the Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship held in the United Arab Emirates as a 70th-ranked player in the DP World Tour, but chose the Mexico tournament.

Chris Kirk (USA), who has a total of 6 wins on the PGA Tour, overcame his poor performance of 72 strokes in the second round and reduced 7 strokes in the third round to rise to a tie for 3rd place with an intermediate total of 16 under par 200 strokes.