Kiwi Wilkinson challenges Choi in Hawaii
BY Bruce Young | US PGA Tour | 2008 Sony Open in Hawaii | Round Four | 13 Jan 2008
New Zealand’s PGA Tour rookie Tim Wilkinson has stormed into contention in his very first event as a cardholder on the PGA Tour, his third round of eight under 62 at the Sony Open at Waialae Country Club moving him into the lead even before the 36 hole leader, K.J. Choi had teed off on day three.
The 29-year-old Wilkinson, who was the New Zealand Amateur Champion in 2000, gained his card at the recent PGA Tour School after three seasons on the Nationwide Tour. He safely made the cut this week after rounds of 68 and 69 but raced to the turn today in 30 and then added three more birdies over the back nine to be at 11 under and sharing the lead with Choi as he walked from the final green.
Choi responded quickly to the left hander’s challenge with a birdie at the 1st but whatever happens over the remaining holes today and in tomorrow’s final round, Wilkinson has shown that contending in PGA Tour events is not beyond him.
Caddying for Wilkinson this week is ex-Kangaroo rugby league player Tim Brasher, who after a year or so caddying for Terry Price in Europe has made the move to the US and has played a significant role in the progress Wilkinson has made.
