GREENSBORO, N.C. — Cameron Young had an impressive run on the front nine, notching four consecutive birdies and ballooning his lead to eight strokes on Saturday. He wrapped up the day with a solid 5-under 65, putting him five shots ahead at the Wyndham Championship, as he chases his first PGA Tour win.
The Westchester area native had a strong second round, which was interrupted by a morning storm, finishing with a bogey-free 65. He quickly built on his lead with thrilling birdies, including a 30-footer on the 4th and another on the 5th from 20 feet out.
“We played some really nice golf for just about an hour,” Young reflected. His father, David, is a longtime club pro at Briarcliff Manor’s Sleepy Hollow Country Club. “We had a few chances on the back nine, but we couldn’t convert as many putts. Still, we managed to keep a steady pace through the rest of the round.”
Colombia’s Nico Echabarria managed to close the gap to four shots, thanks to three birdies on the back nine, ultimately shooting a 64.
Young had gone 39 consecutive holes without a bogey at Sedgefield Country Club, extending his lead further with a beautiful birdie on the par 5 15th, navigating with two putts, and sinking a 10-foot birdie on the 17th before a mishap on the 14th.
“I’m just going to focus on my game, try to hit the best shots I can and sink my putts,” he said confidently.
Since turning pro in 2021, Young has been considered one of the best players without a Tour victory, having participated in significant events like the World Golf Championship and the 2022 British Open.
“I’ve had my share of close calls. I played some strong golf on Sundays in various tournaments,” Young noted. “Tomorrow, I’ll start from a good position, and I plan to outperform the competition as much as I can.”
He was standing at 20 under and was looking to set a new tournament record on Sunday.
Ultimately, for Young, the PGA Tour title is the primary goal, along with a dream of being part of Beth Page Black’s Ryder Cup team, where he was ninth in the 2023 standings before missing the cut.
Young had a notable day, especially as the American PGA announced his upcoming participation in the Long Island Public Course tournament.
A win would advance him to No. 15, making him a hot topic due to his power and history at Beth Page. Notably, he became the first amateur to take the New York State Open in 2017, recording a course record of 64 at Beth Page Black.
“That has been my aim this year,” Young shared. “I’m trying to appreciate all the small moments that happen each day, while also envisioning myself with that team.”
Echabarria remained the closest competitor, being the only player within eight shots of Young. Defending champions Aaron Rye (69), Chris Kirk (67), and Mac Meissner (70) followed in third.
