Tim Wilkinson in good position in California

New Zealand golfer Tim Wilkinson has positioned himself for a potentially healthy collect at the Northern Trust Open in the United States.

The Palmerston North left-hander, who has a medical exemption to continue playing on the PGA Tour after suffering a thumb injury last year, was tied for second among those to complete the second round at the Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California.

Wilkinson shot a four-under-par 67 after beginning the day tied for 42nd, a round featuring no bogeys and a run of three successive birdies from the 14th.

That left him at six-under 136, four shots behind the clubhouse leader, American Steve Stricker.

Joining Wilkinson on 136 are Englishman Justin Rose and American Kevin Stadler.

The $US6.4 million ($NZ8.66 million) tournament was hit by a spell of cold and wet weather today, and 42 players had yet to complete the second round when play finished early due to fading light.

American Dustin Johnson joined Stricker at 10-under and he will return to the course tomorrow to play the final two holes in the second round, while Argentine Andres Romero was at seven-under with three to play.

- NZPA