Golf: Kiwi golfers off the pace

New Zealand golfers moved in the wrong direction in the final round of the US$500,000 ($816,000) Wichita Open in the United States yesterday.

Steve Alker, Tim Wilkinson and Michael Long all drifted backwards in a second-tier Nationwide Tour event won by American Kevin Johnson.

Johnson posted a closing round of five-under 66 for a tournament card of 18-under 266.

Alker was the best of the Kiwis, 10 strokes back in a share of 33rd place, after shooting 73, the same as Wilkinson and Long.

Wilkinson finished 57th equal on 279, two ahead of Long, who tied for 68th.