Ben James converted his eighth and final birdie on his final hole of the day Friday and entered the weekend with a one-shot lead at the World Wide Technology Championship in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
James’ bogey-free 64 propelled him to 15-under-par 129 through two rounds at El Cardonal at Diamante. Peter Malnati, who also posted a second-round 64, was at 14 under and Zac Blair (68) was alone in third at 12 under.
Play was suspended Friday at about 5:50 p.m. local time with 12 players yet to finish their rounds. They’ll return to finish their rounds Saturday morning, though the cut line is likely to stay at 5 under, where it’s currently projected. Kristoffer Ventura of Norway and amateur Preston Stout were right on 5 under with one and two holes to play, respectively.
James, 23, is in contention once again after collecting four top-fives, including a third and a second, since becoming a PGA Tour member out of college in June.
After starting on the back nine Friday, he birdied five holes in a row at Nos. 17-3 to make his move. From there it was all pars until the par-3 ninth, where he stuck his tee shot to 10 feet and made the birdie.
As part of the FedEx Cup Fall series, the top 100 players in the points race at the end of the fall retain full-time status on tour for next season. James’ card is already safe after he joined the tour as the No. 1 player in the PGA Tour University rankings, but he can climb into the top 60 with a good result this week. Finishing Nos. 51-60 earns players entry into the first two signature events of 2027.
James was No. 62 entering the week.
Malnati had an eagle and seven birdies on his card but made his only bogey at his final hole, also the ninth, to drop out of a tie with James.
Denny McCarthy and Germany’s Stephan Jaeger each shot 65s and are tied for fourth at 11 under.
Notable names on track to miss the cut included Billy Horschel and Colombia’s Camilo Villegas at 2 under, Joel Dahmen at 1 under and Canadian Taylor Pendrith at even par.