In a stunning turn of events, Justin Lower catapulted himself into a share of the lead at the World Wide Technology Championship in Los Cabos, Mexico with a clutch eagle on the final hole. The 35-year-old American’s spectacular finish capped off a bogey-free 9-under 63, matching his career-best round on the PGA Tour and setting the stage for a thrilling final round showdown.
Lower’s heroics on the par-5 18th at the picturesque El Cardonal course, designed by golfing legend Tiger Woods, saw him drain an 11-foot eagle putt to join Colombia’s Nico Echavarria and fellow American Carson Young atop the leaderboard at 16-under par. The trio head into Sunday’s final round with a slender one-shot advantage over a chasing pack that includes Joe Highsmith, Austin Eckroat, and Max Greyserman.
Lower’s Quest for Maiden Victory
For Lower, who is still seeking his first PGA Tour title, the opportunity to contend for the trophy on Sunday represents a golden chance to prove himself at the highest level. “I just want to see how good I can do and prove to myself that I can actually do something in this game,” Lower said after his round, underlining his determination to make his breakthrough.
With the Mayakoba coastline providing a stunning backdrop, Lower will need to maintain his aggressive yet precise play to fend off a host of challengers on a course that has yielded low scores all week. “There’s 18 holes tomorrow on a very scorable golf course,” Lower acknowledged. “I think the wind’s going to stay down again, so I have to go out and basically shoot probably somewhere between 5- and 9-under again. It’s just the way the scores are out here.”
Echavarria Eyeing Back-to-Back Wins
For co-leader Echavarria, the chance to claim back-to-back PGA Tour victories is tantalizingly close. The Colombian is riding high after securing his second career title just two weeks ago at the Zozo Championship in Japan. A steady third-round 68, which saw him par the final six holes, has Echavarria well-positioned to make it two wins in three starts.
“Hopefully, there’s wind because I like playing in wind,” Echavarria said, hinting at a potential advantage if the benign conditions at El Cardonal give way to a stiffer breeze. “I think I can manage the wind pretty well out here. So, we’ll see. I won’t change my strategy, but maybe good golf will be enough.”
Young Looks to Continue Scorching Form
Rounding out the leading trio is Carson Young, who backed up his sizzling second-round 61 with a solid 67 on Saturday. Like Lower, Young is chasing his maiden PGA Tour victory, and the 28-year-old is relishing the chance to battle for the title down the stretch on Sunday. “It’s what I’m here for,” Young declared. “I’m here to win and I’m excited that I’m in a good position to try to do it tomorrow.”
With a tightly bunched leaderboard and a host of challengers within striking distance, the stage is set for a compelling final act at the World Wide Technology Championship. As Lower, Echavarria, and Young prepare to navigate the picturesque yet treacherous El Cardonal layout one last time, golf fans around the world will be treated to a gripping battle as each man seeks to etch his name into the history books and claim the prestigious title on the sun-kissed shores of Los Cabos.
