Golf: Wilkinson best of Kiwis in La Quinta

Manawatu professional Tim Wilkinson remains in contention to win his first title on the Web.com Tour at the News Sentinel Open in Tennessee. Photo / Getty Images.

Kiwi Tim Wilkinson sits six shots off the lead after the opening round of the PGA Tour's Humana Challenge in La Quinta, California.

The left-hander opened his season with a three-under 69 to sit in a share of 48th place.

Patrick Reed of the United States leads the tournament by one shot at nine-under after carding a 63, with five birdies coming on the back nine.

New Zealand's Danny Lee is in 129th place at one-over following a round which included three birdies, two bogeys and a double-bogey.

Meanwhile Michael Campbell has had a poor start to the season after opening the Abu Dhabi Championships with a six-over 78.