Pro golfer Michael Sims' superb form of late deserted him in yesterday's opening round of the 108-hole final qualifying stage of Tour school.

A four-over-par 76 at the PGA West Stadium Course in La Quinta, California, left him a mountain to climb if he is to regain the Nationwide Tour card he relinquished last year or even go one better and earn entry to the lucrative US PGA Tour.

Having breezed through the first two stages of Q School in Texas, tying for first in the opening qualifier and sharing ninth at the second stage, Georgia-based Sims struggled yesterday in a field which contains a number of promising youngsters as well as several Tour veterans hoping to regain their status.

At the end of the day, the 29-year-old Bermudian found himself tied for 156th alongside the likes of Kevin Stadler, the son of former Masters winner Craig Stadler, now playing on the Champions Tour for players over the age of 50.

Only two players endured worse rounds than Sims.

His nightmare began on the opening nine where he bogeyed three holes, offset by just one birdie at the par-five eighth.

But his troubles deepened at the par-four 12th where he took a double-bogey six.

That was followed by a birdie at the par-four 15th and another bogey at the par-five 16th.

Sims' only consolation would be that yesterday was the first of six rounds on two courses, where fortunes can change quickly over what is regarded as one of the toughest and most gruelling tests of golf.

But already he finds himself 11 shots behind the leaders. Today he tackles the PGA West Nicklaus Tournament Course.