Michael Sims' success in advancing to the final stage of PGA Qualifying School over the weekend marked an amazing recovery from an illness which had stopped him from playing for most of the year and confined him to bed for up to 16 hours a day.

The Bermudian pro contracted mononucleosis, the disease which can bring on severe fatigue and prevents the patient from taking part in any serious sporting activity.

From April to June he didn't even pick up a golf club and only got back into tournament play in September, managing to get into two Nationwide Tour events, making the cut in one, and also played some mini-tour events.

Now, according to father Bruce, the Georgia-based pro is playing the "best golf of his life".

"We just hope the mono has disappeared for good, but I know he's over the moon about getting into the last stage of Q School," said Bruce yesterday.

His son advanced out of the second qualifying stage on Saturday with a dramatic last-hole birdie at Bear Creek Golf Club in Murrietta, California, shooting a two-over 74 on a day when torrential rain and wind sent scores soaring for most of the 76-strong field.

Sims finished in a tie for 18th with only the top 20 with ties making the cut.

"I spoke to him and he said the conditions were just horrendous. But, as I said, he's playing great," added Bruce.

"He'll stay in California for a while to practise and get ready for the last stage but right now his confidence high.

"Just a few months ago he couldn't get through four rounds. His play was erratic, he was just too tired. He was wiped out.

"But he seems alright now and he knows how tough this last tournament is – six rounds from the Wednesday to Monday (December 1-December 6).

"We're just hoping he's made a total recovery. He's got good strength."

Sims will find out when he arrives at the Orange County National Golf Center & Lodge at Panther Lake in Winter Garden, Florida later this month when several players who have competed on the lucrative PGA Tour will be attempting to regain their cards and competition for the top spots will be intense.

In the past, even the world's leading professionals have labelled the 108-hole tournament as one of the toughest in which they have played.

And Sims knows how tough. Two years' ago he earned full Nationwide Tour privileges which allowed him to play throughout the year on that tour.

But he finished just short of retaining his card and had to return to Q School where again he just missed out but was given the chance to play certain Nationwide events this year.

However, the illness kept him off the course for almost all of the Spring and Summer tournaments.

Suddenly he even has a chance of joining the PGA Tour should his good form continue early next month when 25 pros will earn an opportunity to play alongside the world's best, among them Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els and all of this year's Major winners.

The next 50 all get all full status for the Nationwide and the entire field can earn certain Tour privileges for next year.

Players from 16 different countries will be competing alongside Sims – USA, Chile, Argentina, Mexico, Canada, Sweden, Belgium, Venezuela, New Zealand, Australia, Colombia, Jamaica, South Africa, England, South Korea and the Virgin Islands.

Saturday's conditions were such that only six players fired better scores than Sims.

California's Tyrone Van Aswegen topped the leaderboard with an 11-under 277.

But those below him all faced some nerve wracking moments.

"When he got into the tent (at the end of play) he thought he had got in. But it was close," said Bruce.