Last year, Wilson was tied with three others in 54th place, carding an eight-over 207 (71, 66, 70) in a field of 117 at the Welk Resort San Diego Fountains course.
"I think things just didn't go well for me that day," says the youngster although when you put his achievement in perspective that performance is quite remarkable.
The annual tournament hosts 1200 competitors in varying age groups from 56 countries and 42 states in the US.
"The enormity of the event got to him a little so he probably got nervous a little bit," explains his father, who again will be his caddy.
"I was nervous," reveals a grinning Wilson, casting his mind back to the opening up-and-down par four.
"I tried to focus on my processes but I don't get nervous any more," he says as an adroit golfer does on dropping a ball only centimetres away from the pin from an approach shot.
The card aside, the year 6 pupil is much wiser for having played in 35C temperatures and an energy-sapping 90 per cent humidity. His father says the course was the same for all.
"I'm six shots better now," says the youngster, who hones his skills with Maraenui GC resident professional Scott Overend.
That extends to grafting not just the mechanics of his swing and reading the lie on the green but also his mentality and attitude.
Says Manuel: "Tuhourangi's a lot stronger in the mind now."
That is evident from his performance in the Coronation Cup finals, with two victories and halving the other of his three games, although police officer Brendon Ferrier set the benchmark for Karamu after going through undefeated.
In the zonal play, Wilson lost one and won one.
Wilson is no shrinking violet.
Competing against adults has helped the right-hander harden his resolve and take matters into his own hands.
Becoming more analytical in the way he goes about his business ensures he doesn't become roadkill along the unforgiving fairways.
Consequently, strength gives way to maximising his attributes and from that has evolved an imitable character.
"Adults teach him to chip and putt better because they hit much longer so, for a junior, that's how he has to get around the course," says Manuel of his son who only a fortnight ago won the net division of the Eagles 36-hole tourney at Maraenui.
Discipline in staying on the straight and narrow will be imperative for the youngster at the worlds because the shorter but hungry roughs will show no mercy to anyone who strays.
"The rough is much shorter there but it's much thicker so it grabs the club and you need strength to get out."
Wilson averages 180m in his drives but, not surprisingly, his short game is his forte.
"He's deadly from the 135m-in range," says Manuel.
Adhering to a regimented fitness routine is part of Wilson's routine. He does 50 each of sit-ups, tummy crunches and push-ups daily.
He found the flight to the US challenging last year, managing only two hours of sleep, but watching TV took his mind off it.
Of course, none of that affected his game.
Manuel thanked his employers, Mr Apple, where he is manager, for sponsoring his son.
"My partner and I pay for the trip but there are other sponsors who prefer to be anonymous," he says of the $9000 trip.
Wilson plays tee-ball and rugby when time permits.
"Golf helps me with batting. Everyone likes to smash [the ball] but I just go with my rhythm and timing," he says with a soft smile.
Oh, and for the record, Manuel, also a Karamu club member, is on an eight handicap and, yes, Wilson now and then sets the pace when the pair are able to go out for a round between their demanding schedules.
