Cameron Young Takes Commanding Lead at Wyndham Championship
GREENSBORO, N.C. — Cameron Young made headlines on Saturday with a stellar performance at the Wyndham Championship, where he finished with a 5-under 65, extending his lead to five strokes as he seeks his first PGA Tour victory.
Front Nine Highlights
Young’s remarkable feat included four consecutive birdies on the front nine, showcasing his skill and precision. Key moments included:
- 30-foot birdie on No. 4
- Two-putt birdie from 20 feet on the par-5 fifth
"Just played some really nice golf there for about an hour," stated Young. The Westchester native, whose father David served as the club pro at Sleepy Hollow Country Club, emphasized his focus despite minor setbacks.
Strong Follow-Up Performance
After starting the day with a bogey-free 65 during the storm-delayed round, he hit a snag with a missed 6-foot par putt on the 14th hole. However, Young bounced back effectively:
- Birdied the par-5 15th with a great lag putt
- Nailed a 10-foot birdie on the 17th
His strong closing allowed Young to maintain a comfortable five-shot lead over Nico Echavarria.
Echavarria Makes His Move
Colombian golfer Nico Echavarria made a significant push, reducing the gap to four strokes by notching three birdies within four holes on the back nine, ultimately finishing with a score of 64.
"I’m just going to worry about what I’m doing. Try to hit the best shots I can," said Echavarria, highlighting his determination as he aims for a strong finish.
Young’s Journey to Victory
Currently, Cameron Young is recognized as one of the top players yet to secure a title on a major tour. Since turning professional in 2021, he has had multiple close calls, finishing as a runner-up seven times, including notable outings at:
- 2022 British Open at St. Andrews
- World Golf Championship
"I’ve played some good golf on Sunday," Young remarked, focusing on his strategy for the final round. "I’m looking to try to beat second place by as many as I can."
Aiming for Records
With a total score of 20-under 190, Young needs a 67 on Sunday to set a new tournament record. His primary goal, however, is to clinch a coveted PGA Tour title, especially in light of his aspirations to join the Ryder Cup team competing at Bethpage Black.
- Past Ryder Cup Performance: Young was ranked No. 9 in the Ryder Cup standings in 2023 but missed the final team selection.
He has hailed this Ryder Cup as a pivotal event, inspired by his previous achievements, including becoming the first amateur to win the New York State Open in 2017 while setting a course record with a 64 at Bethpage.
"That’s been a goal this whole year," Young highlighted, reflecting on his long-term ambitions.
Standings and Competitors
As the tournament progresses, Young’s closest competitors include:
- Nico Echavarria
- Aaron Rai (Defending champion) – 69
- Chris Kirk – 67
- Mac Meissner – 70
With an eye on the prize and a determined mindset, Cameron Young stands on the brink of becoming one of the tour’s breakout stars. Stay tuned as the Wyndham Championship unfolds, offering surprises and spectacular golf. For more details on the tournament and players, check out PGA Tour.