Golfing sensation Michael Sims pulled off another stunning victory yesterday, firing a final round 66 to become the first-ever amateur to win the New England Open Championship in the event's 28-year history.

A day after carding a course record 64 in the 54-hole tournament at the Samoset Resort in Rockport, the 22-year-old Bermudian overhauled overnight leader Brian Quinn of Philadelphia to win by two shots.

Sims couldn't be reached for comment last night, but the victory will no doubt rank among the best of an already illustrious career.

Whereas past wins have been in tournaments featuring just amateurs, yesterday's came among a field of seasoned professionals, many of whom have competed on the Buy.Com Tour and even the PGA Tour.

Sims, still a student at Rhode Island University, was the only amateur to make the 36-hole cut, and he then proceeded to blow away the field.

Ironically, because of his amateur status, he was the only player on the final leaderboard not to pick up a cheque.

Second placed Quinn, who could only manage a one-over par 71 yesterday, collected the biggest prize of $9,000.

Mike Baker who placed third, three shots behind Sims, received $4,466 and Geoff Sisk in fourth, $2,544.

Paul Parajeckas and Kirk Hanefeld, both well known here in Bermuda where they have competed in both the Open and the Belmont Invitation, finished tied for ninth and also picked up more than $1,000 each.

But the day belonged to Sims, who earlier this year claimed his first major title by lifting the North/South Championship. He then won the Players tournament before enjoying a dream run in the US Amateur where he was eventually beaten in the quarter-finals, one-up, by eventual winner Bubba Dickerson of Florida.

Sims offered no indication of what was to come when he opened his New England Open assault with a conservative two-over par 72 on Tuesday.

But his record 64 on Wednesday catapulted him up the leaderboard into second place.

And his 66 yesterday, the best round of the day, left the rest of the field in his wake.

Sims is expected back on the Island early next month to prepare for the Bermuda Open at Port Royal (October 11-14) where he will now start as one of the favourites.

While admitting that he eventually wants to turn professional and earn his PGA Tour card, he has yet to set a date to make that move.