Top amateur golfer Michael Sims' hopes of earning his PGA Tour card and turning professional were virtually sunk yesterday when he could manage only a two-over-par 74 in the third round of the PGA Qualifying School tournament at Hombre Golf Club in Panama City Beach, Florida.

Coupled with rounds of 74 and 78 in the first two rounds, yesterday's effort left Sims at 10 over par and 16 strokes behind leader Joey Maxon going into today's final round.

Only the top 20 plus ties advance to the third and final qualifying stage event in Florida next month.

Sims is now 11 shots behind the 20th placed player.

Having put together a string of sub-par rounds, several in the low 60s, during an outstanding summer of tournament play, the Rhode Island University student will be disappointed with his form this week.

However, under new PGA rules, should he fail to make the cut today he will be able to keep his amateur status and be allowed to play in amateur events again in the New Year.