Nick Dunlap, Sami Valimaki lead in Cabo thanks to 61s

Nick Dunlap and Finland's Sami Valimaki find themselves tied for the lead at the World Wide Technology Championship after shooting bogey-free, 11-under-par 61s on Thursday in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

Dunlap went 6-under through his final six holes by making four birdies and an eagle at the par-5 18th at El Cardonal Golf Course. Valimaki spread 11 birdies across his card.

As play finished up Thursday afternoon, the duo led by three strokes over a group tied at 8-under 64: Vince Whaley, Chad Ramey, Andrew Putnam, Norway's Kris Ventura and Germany's Matti Schmid.

U.S. Ryder Cup player Ben Griffin was another shot back at 7-under 65, as were veterans Matt Kuchar and Francesco Molinari of Italy.

Dunlap, 21, is best known for winning The American Express in 2024 as an amateur, earning a PGA Tour card through 2026. He added a second win that year at the Barracuda Championship but struggled mightily in 2025 and ranked No. 145 in the FedEx Cup Fall standings entering the week.

Valimaki, 27, has yet to win on tour after having some success in Europe. He stood No. 103 in the FedEx Cup Fall race entering the week and would gain a lot from a victory. Players inside the top 100 at the end of the fall get to keep their tour cards.

Defending champion Austin Eckroat is likely to miss the cut Friday after opening with a 2-over 74.

--Field Level Media