Ben James closes In on first PGA Tour title at World Wide Technology Championship

The 23-year-old American rookie entered the day with a one-shot lead after opening rounds of 65 and 64 and will take a commanding four-shot advantage into Sunday's final round as he seeks his first PGA Tour title.

He started strongly with birdies on his first three holes, added more throughout a windy day, and closed with a precise pitch to 2 feet for birdie on the par-5 18th.

His only bogey of the round, and the entire tournament so far, came at the par-4 8th. James noted he felt he played better than in the first two rounds despite the higher score, particularly in managing into-the-wind pitches.

This marks the second time James has held a 36-hole lead as a pro, after the RBC Canadian Open earlier in 2026 where he struggled to a 78 in the final round and finished outside the top 50.

A win would be his first PGA Tour title and secure a two-year exemption, invitations to The Players and PGA Championship, 500 FedExCup points, and likely a top-50 Official World Golf Ranking debut.

He already holds a full card for 2027 via his first-place position on the PGA Tour University ranking.

Ryan Gerard leads the chasing pack after a bogey-free third round 65 took him to 17-under, followed by Chris Kirk (65) and Denny McCarthy (67) on 16-under.

There is a four-way tie for fifth with Paul Peterson (66), Alvaro Ortiz of Mexico (66), Keith Mitchell (67), Kensei Hirata (67) all at 15-under.