game to an ever bigger stage.

The 19-year-old is this week competing in qualifying for the US Junior Amateur Championship -- and after two rounds is holding his own against some of the world's finest young golfers.

Playing on the 6,721-yard, par-71 Conway Farms Golf Club course in Lake Forest, Illinois, Sims shot rounds of 77 and 73 for a two-day total of 150 and a tie for 20th spot.

Yesterday's scores were not available at press time.

Aaron Baddeley of Australia shot 69-66 to lead the tournament. His 135 was four shots up on Stephen Polanski of Livonia, Michigan, (139) and five on Brent Wanner of Brewster, Massachusetts.

In the last two months, Sims, who attends the University of Rhode Island on a golf scholarship, has captured the Bermuda Amateur Championship and Atlantic Junior Tournament.