Manawatu professional golfer Tim Wilkinson has begun the 2012 Nationwide Tour season well with a top-10 finish at the Panama Claro Championship.
The left hander, who played on the PGA Tour last in 2009, had a two over par 72 at the Panama Golf Club in the final round to finish in a share of ninth place, five shots back from the winner American Edward Loar.
It could have been so much better for Wilkinson as he made three birdies in as many holes on the front nine only to give them back in a disappointing back nine of four over par 39.
It was Wilkinson's second event for 2012, after finishing tied 50th in Colombia, and his ninth place finish earns him $14,000 (NZD).
Fellow Kiwi Steve Alker missed the cut by one shot after rounds of 72 and 73 saw him finish on a five over total.
