Germany’s Matti Schmid fired a blistering nine-under 63 to take a one-stroke lead after the second round of the PGA Tour’s World Wide Technology Championship at El Cardonal.
The 27-year-old rolled in a 30-foot eagle putt on the par-five 18th during a six-hole stretch played in six under par to move to 17 under overall. He will start the weekend ahead of Nick Dunlap and Sami Valimaki, who sit one shot back on 16 under.
Dunlap, who opened with a course record-equalling 61, briefly held the outright lead before a costly double-bogey on his 16th hole dropped him to a 67 for the day. Finland’s Valimaki also signed for a 67, birdieing three of his last five holes to stay firmly in contention.
Chad Ramey carded a 64 to lie fourth on 15 under, while France’s Victor Perez and Ryder Cup rookie Ben Griffin are a further shot behind after matching 65s.
South Africa’s Garrick Higgo continued his solid form, climbing into a share of 15th position on 11 under after rounds of 68 and 65. His Friday 65 included eight birdies and a single bogey, keeping him well within reach of the top 10 heading into the weekend.
The cut fell at five under, with several players needing late birdies to make the weekend.
For Schmid, who currently sits 70th in the FedExCup standings, the focus is on pushing into the top 60 to secure starts in next season’s Signature Events.
“We all know how big those are and the added points on offer,” said Schmid. “You need a really good week to move up, and hopefully this is mine.”
The tournament, one of the final three events of the PGA Tour season, concludes on Sunday at the Greg Norman-designed layout on the southern tip of Baja California.
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Photo: Alex Slitz/Getty Images
Article Link: Schmid surges ahead in Mexico, Higgo stays in mix