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.

 

Position Score Player Country R 1 R 2 R 3 R 4 Total
1 -14 K.j. Choi South Korea 64 65 66 71 266
2 -11 Rory Sabbatini 66 69 66 68 269
3 -10 Jerry Kelly 67 67 69 67 270
T4 -8 Kevin Na United States 67 64 69 72 272
T4 -8 Pat Perez 69 66 67 70 272
T4 -8 Steve Marino 65 67 68 72 272
T4 -8 Steve Stricker United States 71 65 66 70 272
T8 -7 Tom Pernice Jr. 70 67 66 70 273
T8 -7 Troy Matteson United States 69 67 65 72 273
T10 -6 Chad Campbell 66 69 66 73 274
Position Score Player Country R 1 R 2 R 3 R 4 Total

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    About the Author: Bruce Young

    A multi-award winning golf journalist, Bruce's extensive knowledge of the game comes from several years caddying the tournament circuits of the world, marketing a successful golf course design company and as one of Australia's leading golf journalists and commentators.


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