11/07/25 06:50:00
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11/07 18:48 CST Matti Schmid takes the lead in Mexico with a 63
Matti Schmid takes the lead in Mexico with a 63
LOS CABOS, Mexico (AP) --- Matti Schmid rolled in a 30-foot eagle putt with
about 6 feet of break during a six-hole stretch he played in 6-under par that
carried the German to a 9-under 63 and a one-shot lead Friday in the World Wide
Technology Championship.
Nick Dunlap, who tied the course record of 61 in the opening round, was keeping
pace and pulled one shot ahead of Schmid until a tee shot out of play on his
16th hole, the par-4 seventh, that led to double bogey. He closed with two pars
for a 67 and was one shot behind.
Sami Valimaki of Finland, who also shot a 61 in the first round, birdied three
of his last five holes for a 67 to join Dunlap a shot behind at El Cardonal at
Diamante.
Only three tournaments, including this one on the southern tip of Baja
California, remain this season. The top 100 in the FedEx Cup --- down from 125
in previous years --- retain full PGA Tour cards for next season.
That's not an issue for Schmid, who came into this week at No. 70. His hopes
are to finish in the top 60 and earn a spot in two $20 million signature events
to start next year.
"We all know how big those are and the added points you can earn in those, and
also I want to play the best courses against the best players," Schmid said.
"Obviously, that was the goal for the fall season. You need to have a really
good week, and hopefully this is mine."
Schmid, a 27-year-old German who played his college golf at Louisville, at
least put himself in good position going into the weekend.
He started on No. 10 and that bending eagle putt on the par-5 18th allowed him
to go out in 29. He only made two birdies on the front nine, both of them on
par 5s for his 63.
He was at 17-under 127.
Dunlap is well outside the top 100 but is exempt in 2026 from his two victories
last year, including The American Express as an amateur when he was still at
Alabama. He followed that 61 with three straight birdies and went out in 30.
But he missed a short birdie chance, and then hit his one wild drive that cost
him two shots on the seventh.
"I just hit it right, my only bad swing off the tee all week," Dunlap said.
"This place gives you a lot of room off the tee but if you do miss it, then
you're going to pay the price for it."
Valimaki came into the week at No. 103, though he at least has a card for the
European tour next year. He'd rather have access to bigger money and ranking
points on the PGA Tour, so this is a big month for him.
Chad Ramey, at No. 123 in the FedEx Cup, had a 64 and was alone in fourth. He
was followed by Victor Perez (No. 107) with another 65 to reach 14-under 130,
tied with Ryder Cup rookie Ben Griffin, who also started 65-65.
The cut was set for 5-under 139, and Will Gordon made sure he was part of the
weekend in spectacular fashion. He was outside the cut line after a triple
bogey on the 13th when he answered with a birdie on the 14th, and then holed
out from the fairway on the 17th for eagle. He made it with two shots to spare
after a 69.
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AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf
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