Michael Sims equalled his best finish of the season on the Nationwide Tour yesterday, tying for a highly impressive ninth at the $550,000 Wichita Open.

And that performance will ensure that he jumps several places up the all-important Tour moneylist to be confirmed today.

The Bermudian pro began his latest outing at the 6,886-yard, par-71 North Course at the Crestview Country Club in 80th place on that list following a run of inconsistent performances, but with his confidence restored he will now set his sights on a top 25 finish which would catapult him onto the lucrative PGA Tour next year.

His outstanding showing completed a remarkable week for Bermuda golf after Mid Ocean Club member Robert Vallis won the Senior British Amateur Championships at Prestwick Golf Club in Scotland on Friday.

Sims was at his brilliant best over the weekend, firing four rounds under par – the first time he's done that all season – culminating with a superb four-under 67 yesterday, having started the day 21st in the 156-strong field.

He finished with a 10-under-par total of 274, six shots adrift of winner Chris Tidland of the US, who returned a 65 yesterday.

Tidland took the $99,000 winner's cheque, clinching victory with a 16-under total of 268.

Sims made his move on Saturday with a two-under 69 after having made the cut with rounds of 68 and 70 on Thursday and Friday.

But the 30-year-old Georgia-based player saved his best for last, getting off to a scintillating start yesterday with an eagle three at the par-five second and a birdie at the par-four third.

He dropped his only shot at the par-four tenth but then picked up two more birdies at the 13th (par four) and 18th (par five).

His previous best finish on the Tour this season was ninth at the Louisiana Open, followed by a tie for 15th at the South Georgia Classic.

Sims will now turn his attention to this week's Nationwide Tour Price Cutter Charity Championship in Springfield, Missouri.