Michael Sims shrugged off recent disappointments to fire a superb first round of three-under par 69 yesterday and put himself in good position to make the half-way cut at the Nationwide Tour Athens Regional Foundation Classic.

The Belmont Hills pro enjoyed a bogey-free round at the 7,004 yard, par-72 Jennings Mill Country Club, a Scottish links-type course outside Athens, Georgia.

Starting on the back nine, he birdied the par-four 11th and 16th holes and added another birdie on the par-four sixth for good measure.

Sims ended the day just three shots behind leader Martin Laird who returned a six-under 66.

The tournament offers $500,000 prize-money, including $90,000 for the winner.

Bermuda’s top player has so far only made one cut on tour since earning his card at last year’s PGA Tour Qualifying School.