Golf: Wilkinson fights back after second day horrors

New Zealand golfer Tim Wilkinson fought back bravely in the third round of the final qualifying for the PGA Tour in California today.

The Manawatu left-hander shot a third round two-under-par 70 for a 54-hole total of even-par 216 at the halfway point, five shots adrift of the top-30 cut for full playing rights on the PGA Tour next year.

After slumping to 121st in the 168-strong field with a triple-bogey seven on the last hole yesterday, Wilkinson jumped to a tie for 71st today.

A top-80 finish will secure full playing rights on the secondary Nationwide Tour next year.

Starting at the 10th on the PGA West course at Palm Springs, Wilkinson mixed two birdies with a double bogey in the first nine.

His brilliant eagle at the par-five fifth was given back at the next hole with his second double-bogey of the round.

Wilkinson recovered with crucial birdies at the final two holes for his hard-fought 70.

American Jeff Brehaut shot a remarkable 11-under 61 to move to the lead at 16-under midway through the six-round event.

Meanwhile, Hamilton's David Smail is two shots off the lead midway through the JT Cup in the final tournament of the season in the Japan Golf Tour.

Smail, who won last week's Casio World Open tournament, is at six-under-par after 36 holes, in a share of third place with three players.

- NZPA