Tim Wilkinson, Steve Alker remain in contention in North Carolina

Tim Wilkinson. Photo / Photosport.

Tim Wilkinson and Steve Alker remain in contention to hold onto PGA Tour cards next season after moving into top-20 positions at the season-ending tournament in North Carolina.

The Kiwi pair share 19th place at the midway point of the Wyndham Championship in Greensboro.

Alker carded an excellent five-under 65 to improve 39 places while Wilkinson dropped from his overnight share of third after shooting 70.

Their seven-under tallies leave them six strokes behind American co-leaders Ryan Armour and Webb Simpson.

The top-125 ranked golfers on the FedEx Cup point scoring chart at the conclusion on Sunday will automatically retain full Tour rights for next season.

Wilkinson (165th) and Alker (183rd) were both well outside that status coming into the week but victory or a second placing could be enough to keep their cards.

New Zealand No.1 Danny Lee began the week ranked 53rd, having already secured his return next year.

It's just as well, with Lee shooting 70 and 71 to miss the cut by four shots.