KEY POINTS:
New Zealand golfer Tim Wilkinson was just two shots off the lead after the opening round of the US$5.5 million ($7 million) Heritage Classic PGA tournament in South Carolina this morning (NZ time).
Wilkinson sat in a large group tied for 14th after shooting a fluctuating three-under 68 at the Harbour Town Golf Links course on Hilton Head Island.
A trio of Americans led the way on 66 - former champion Justin Leonard, Davis Love III and Lucas Glover - while 10 golfers were four-under.
Wilkinson struggled with his driving accuracy but recovered well all day, needing just 26 putts on his way to six birdies which countered three bogeys.
Playing the back nine first, he shot a bogey on the 11th hole but strung together birdies on the 14th, 16th and 17th holes. Another birdie rush came from the fourth to sixth holes.
Last month Wilkinson placed third in the New Orleans Classic to claim US$421,000 in prizemoney. It followed a sixth place in the Puerto Rico Open a week earlier.
The Palmerston North left-hander sat out last week following his 47th placing at the Houston Open.
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Meanwhile, A mixed day for New Zealand golfer Mark Brown at the China Open in Beijing.
Brown has fired an opening round one under par 71, to finish the day in a share of 18th place. He is four shots behind the leader, Michael Lorenzo-Vera of France.
The tournament is co-sanctioned by the European and Asian golf tours.
Brown's day got off to a shaky start with a bogey at the par four first hole, but he bounced back with birdies at five and seven before another bogey at nine saw him even par at the turn.
The back nine was equally eventful, with birdies at 11, 13 and 16 spoiled by dropped shots at 14 and 17.
Fellow New Zealander Richard Lee struggled to a two over par 74, while Stephen Scahill is well down the field at four over the card.
- NZPA, NEWSTALK ZB
