Bermuda's number one golfer Michael Sims endured a dismal start to his opening round in the Nationwide $500,000 Utah EnergySolutions with an eight over par 43.

The 28-year-old shot three double bogeys, three bogeys and four pars and one birdie to leave him tied in 155th position.

With eight events remaining and so much on line, including 25 PGA Tour cards for 2008 and a top 60 spot for others, the field is stacked with 16 of the year's tournament winners.

Sims, who pulled out of last month's National Mining Association Pete Dye Classic in West Virginia, has earned a total of $36,585 this season, after playing in 22 tournaments so far. He has made the cut on eight occasions.