Ben James shot 7-under 64 and Johnny Keefer fired 9-under 62 in Saturday's third round to climb within striking distance of leader Austin Smotherman at the Bank of Utah Championship. James sits at 18-under par, five shots behind, while Keefer reached 17-under after his bogey-free round that included an eagle on the par-5 seventh hole.
James, the No. 1 player in the 2026 PGA Tour University class who turned professional in June, has posted final-round 61s in his last two starts to finish third and second. The 23-year-old said his third round was a solid performance where he hit every fairway, cleaned up around the greens well, and made good putts inside 8 feet without any major mistakes.
Keefer, making his 32nd career PGA Tour start, leads the 119-man field in driving distance and led in Strokes Gained: Putting on Saturday with 3.613. The reigning Korn Ferry Tour Player of the Year said he is thinking well on the course and staying focused on each shot rather than losing composure during long stretches.
James adopted a carefree approach entering Sunday, saying he has nothing to lose and will play his best while trying to hit smart shots. Both players are among eight of the top 10 on the leaderboard seeking their first PGA Tour victory, with winners earning spots in the 2028 Championship Series and qualification for The Players Championship and PGA Championship.