Bermuda's newly-crowned Athlete of the Year, Michael Sims, is about to join some elite company following his decision to turn professional.

The young golfer, who enjoyed a sensational summer on the US amateur circuit last year, has agreed to sign a deal with management company Octagon, who manage the affairs of, among others, US PGA Tour star Davis Love.

Sims, in his final semester at Rhode Island University but currently back in Bermuda, will travel to Washington DC some time within the next two weeks to sign a contract.

"I've got an agreement with Octagon. They were one of three (companies) I was talking with," said Sims yesterday.

"I haven't officially signed anything yet but verbally I've committed to them. The contract is being drawn up now and I'm going to see the group in about a week and a half and probably sign then . . . if not sooner."

Sims said that having a management company take care of his affairs would allow him more time to spend on the golf course.

"Basically, they're there to make my life a little easier," he said. "They look after all the stuff behind the scenes, like sending my applications in, arranging the travel and helping me set up a schedule . . . all kinds of things."

Meanwhile, following his failure to earn a Canadian PGA Tour card at qualifying school last month, Sims has set his sights on two Hooters Tour events in North and South Carolina later this month.

"It (Hooters) is just one of the mini-tours that's available to me, so I've made that my next commitment," he added.