Michael Sims is encouraged by his start to 2004 and is hoping for even better results this summer.

In the past month, the pro golfer has continued competing on the South American Tour, making the cut in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.

In the former event the Bermudian placed 12th with a two-over 290 (75, 74, 71 and 70) at the Costa Caribe Resort, earning $2,210. He then moved on to the Dominican Republic and collected another $900 in a two-way tie for 20th, scoring 11-over 299 at the Dye Fore course at Casa de Campo resort.

?I finished 12th after making the cut right on the number so I played well on the weekend to move up. It was really windy and very tough conditions,? recalled Sims of his Puerto Rico performance.

Candidly he acknowledged that he did not fare as well in the Dominican Republic, thus barely making it into the top 20.

After six South American Tour events, the 25-year-old ? in his third year on the pro circuit ? is 12th on that Tour?s money list with $9,342.50. Argentina?s Rodolfo Gonzalez heads the earnings with $27,030.

Sims also travelled further south for a non-Tour event in Argentina but was unfortunate to advance to the weekend action.

At present he is gearing up to compete on the Maverick Tour in Florida this week ahead of his next major assignment: US Open qualifiers in mid-May. Thereafter, his attention turns to the Golden Bear Tour which kicks off in June.

?I feel pretty good because I?ve been playing pretty well. I was a bit disappointed to miss some cuts recently but that?s all part of it I guess,? he told yesterday

?It?s slowly coming around; a lot slower than I?d like it to...but coming around nonetheless.?

The ever-optimistic Sims noted it was great ?to have been in contention (in tournaments) a couple times early this year? and this has boosted his confidence.

?I?m swinging well and it?s just a matter of time,? he concluded.