Tim Wilkinson in the money on PGA tour

New Zealand golfer Tim Wilkinson is $US66,742 (NZ$96,900) closer to keeping his US PGA Tour card after finishing joint 20th today (NZ time) in the Northern Trust Open in California.

Wilkinson was forced off the tour last June with a thumb injury and resumed competing in January on a medical exemption.

He won $US297,829 last year and has 12 events this season to earn $US365,675 to make up the difference from last year's part season to retain his playing privileges.

Today's prize money is Wilkinson's highest since he banked $US198,000 for a sixth at last April's Verizon Heritage Classic in South Carolina.

The Palmerston North player shot an even-par 71 in today's finals round for a six-under total of 278 to be 10 shots behind American winner, Steve Stricker.

It could have been much though as Wilkinson made three consecutive birdies on the front nine to race into the top 10 as he reached nine-under par. He was unable to maintain that momentum on the back nine, giving those shots back with three bogeys.

- NZPA