Wilkinson moves closer at Texas Open
BY Bruce Young | US PGA Tour | 2008 Valero Texas Open | Round Three | 12 Oct 2008
A brilliant third round of 63 at the Valero Texas Open has created a great opportunity for New Zealander Tim Wilkinson to secure his status on the PGA Tour for 2009. Wilkinson finds himself in a share of third position at 11 under and three behind the leader, Rory Sabbatini.
Currently in 112th position on the PGA Tour money list with US$785,000, it appears that a top 15 finish this week will be enough to ensure Wilkinson a return to the PGA Tour.
After a brilliant start to his rookie season, when he led into the final round of his very first event at the Sony Open, Wilkinson made good progress through the first few months of the year including when he finished a very impressive 3rd at the Zurich Classic.
The 30-year-old has struggled to build momentum since however, but tomorrow offers a great chance to achieve what must surely have been his initial goal this season, namely to retain his status. He is already assured of partial status in season 2009 but the benefits of full status, whereby you are able to plan your schedule and play events and courses you prefer, is immeasurable.
It has been a very impressive debut season for the left hander from Palmerston North in New Zealand’s lower North Island.
Mark Hensby, who has shown improved form in his last two events, is the next best of the Australasians in 11th place but he will be rueing consecutive bogeys at his final two holes today. Hensby has moneylist concerns himself, having earned only US$413,000 this season.
