The second round of the World Wide Technology Championship in Los Cabos, Mexico saw some impressive scoring as calmer wind conditions allowed the field to take aim at the pins. Two players in particular took full advantage, with Nico Echavarria of Colombia and American Max Greyserman firing 63 and 64 respectively to vault to the top of the leaderboard at 12-under par.
For Echavarria, the strong play is a continuation of the form that saw him claim his maiden PGA Tour title just two weeks ago at the Zozo Championship in Japan. The 30-year-old put on a clinic on the front nine at El Cardonal, carding four birdies and an eagle over a sizzling five-hole stretch to quickly climb the standings.
“It was a very, very good round,” Echavarria said. “Obviously everyone knew that the scores were going to be lower. Different wind.”
He credited a key par save on the 3rd hole for keeping his momentum going. “It’s such a momentum game that if I don’t make par on 3, I had like a 10-footer for par on 3 that I made,” he explained. “I kind of got things rolling, made birdie on 4, made birdie on 5, eagled 6.”
Greyserman also went low, closing with an eagle on the par-5 18th to match his fellow co-leader. Coincidentally, he finished runner-up to Echavarria in Japan and is hoping to go one better this week.
“I thought that, ‘Here we go again. Let’s go!'” Greyserman said of seeing Echavarria’s name on the leaderboard again.
Chasing Pack Looks to Make a Move
While Echavarria and Greyserman stole the show on Friday, several other players put themselves in prime position heading into the weekend. Chief among them was American Carson Young, who fired a career-best 61 that featured a whopping 12 birdies against just a lone bogey.
Young heads into the third round just one shot off the lead at 11-under par. He pointed to the more benign weather as a key factor in the improved scoring.
“The weather definitely helps,” Young said. “Less wind out of a slightly different direction made the course a little bit easier.”
Also in the mix are the trio of Dylan Wu, Austin Eckroat and Kelly Kraft at 9-under, along with Maverick McNealy one shot further adrift. With the course offering plenty of birdie opportunities, all of them will feel they have a legitimate chance to chase down the leaders over the final 36 holes.
Both Echavarria and Greyserman know they can’t afford to let up if they want to lift the trophy come Sunday evening. The Colombian is looking to make it back-to-back wins on Tour and further announce himself as a rising star, while Greyserman is seeking that elusive breakthrough victory.
The stage is set for an exciting weekend of golf at El Cardonal, a course that has already proven it can offer plenty of drama and fireworks. With the wind expected to pick up again, the premium will be on accuracy off the tee and a deft touch on and around the greens.
As Moving Day dawns in Mexico, here are some key storylines and things to watch:
- Can Echavarria continue his hot streak and make it two wins in three starts?
- Will Greyserman finally breakthrough for that maiden PGA Tour title after several close calls?
- Who from the chasing pack will make a big move on Saturday to put themselves in contention?
- How will the windier conditions impact scoring and shuffle the leaderboard?
The World Wide Technology Championship is shaping up to be a memorable event, with plenty of birdies, lead changes, and nail-biting drama expected. If the first two rounds are any indication, we could be in for a wild ride come Sunday afternoon as an intriguing mix of established veterans and ascending young talents battle it out for supremacy on the Baja California peninsula.
One thing is for sure: with the biggest names in the game teeing it up on a picturesque course in a tropical paradise, golf fans are in for a treat this weekend at El Cardonal. Buckle up and enjoy the show!
