KEY POINTS:
New Zealand golfer Tim Wilkinson has finished in a tie for 54th at the Ginn sur Mer Classic in Florida today.
Wilkinson finished the tournament at four-over par after a final round one-over 73.
American Ryan Palmer made a 10-foot birdie on the 18th hole to break out of a six-way tie for the win, earning a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour.
Palmer, who was at No 143 on the money list with two tournaments remaining, had to call a penalty on himself and made bogey on the 10th hole, then took double bogey on the next hole with a tee shot into the water.
But he rebounded with a birdie he desperately needed on the final hole at Ginn Ocean Hammock Resort for his second career victory.
Michael Letzig, the 54-hole leader, needed a birdie on the par-5 18th to force a playoff. But his wedge spun 35 feet down the slope and he had to settle for par and a 73 to finish one shot behind.
Also tying for second were George McNeill, Nicholas Thompson, Ken Duke and Vaughn Taylor, who was at No 129 on the money list and earned enough to secure his card for next year.
Wilkinson is 93rd on the money list heading into the final tournament week at Disney. The top 125 keep full privileges for 2009.
- NEWSTALK ZB, AP
