Michael Sims' hopes of retaining his Nationwide Tour card or even progressing to the more lucrative PGA Tour were dashed on Saturday when he could finish only in a tie for 31st at the second stage of Qualifying School.

Only the top 20 plus ties advanced to the final stage later this month after the final round at the Lake Jovita Country Club in Dade City, Florida.

Having enjoyed an encouraging start on the 7,153-yard, par 72 lay-out with a three-under 69 in the opening round, the 28-year-old Bermudian couldn't repeat that performance over the rest of the tournament, finishing with an even-par 72 on Saturday. He carded 72 and 73 in the second and third rounds on the way to a two-under par total of 286.

Saturday's final up-and-down round saw Sims mix four bogies with three birdies, all of them recorded at the course's three par-five holes. The Rhode Island University graduate must now resign himself to playing on mini-tour events in 2008 or hope to get an exemption to play in certain Nation Tour events.

This year, his first on that tour, saw him make 34 starts and make nine cuts with only one top-ten finish. His total earnings were $39,102,

while tour statistics show he was ranked 21st in driving distance, in most other categories he finished outside the top 100.

Meanwhile, in qualifying for the over-50s Champions Tour, perennial winner in Bermuda Tim Conley regained his card by finishing in a tie for 13th at the TPC Eagle Trace course in Coral, Florida.

Joining this year's Bermuda Open winner on that tour will be Canadian Craig Marseille and American Kirk Hanefeld who have also been regular Island visitors over the last 20 years.

They finished in a tie for 29th with the top 30 earning a place on the Tour .