Michael Sims is tied in 19th position in the second stage of Q School after making a solid start in yesterday's first round at Lake Jovita Country Club, Florida.

Bermuda's number one shot a three-under-par 69, including four birdies and one bogey, with three rounds left to play.

In order to retain his Nationwide Tour status, or possibly go one better and secure an even more lucrative PGA Tour Card, the 28-year-old needs to progress to the third and final phase of the gruelling qualifying process.

The former Rhodes University graduate earned his Nationwide Tour card through reaching the final phase of Q School qualifying last year. In six previous attempts he had failed to get past the second stage.