Bermuda's top golfer Michael Sims made a bright start to the South American Tour qualifier yesterday in Florida, USA.

At the end of the first round, the 23-year-old was in a three-way tie for 12th place with an opening score of even-par 72. Five players shared the lead with four-under 68 at Bonaventure Country Club.

"It was a pretty ordinary round - two birdies, two bogeys. I hit the ball well and putted well but the greens were tough to read. I could have shot lower but a lot of putts lipped out," said the pro rookie last night.

Sims, who is quietly confident of gaining a spot on the South American circuit (Tour De Las Americas), is aiming to card 68 or lower in today's second round.

"I'm feeling pretty good. I think I am hitting the ball well enough and putting well enough to be up there on the leaderboard," he said.

Sims' main goal is to reap success in the annual gruelling US PGA Tour Qualifying Tournament (Q-School). He will play in the second stage next week but is competing in the South American equivalent as a back-up measure and to remain sharp.