Michael Sims had a rollercoaster ride in his first round at the Melwood Prince George's County Open yesterday.

The Bermudian collected four birdies and three bogeys in a one-under-par 71 at the Nationwide Tour event in Mitchellville, Maryland.

After a relatively quiet front nine, where he birdied the par-four third and then parred the rest, the back nine saw him drop a shot at ten, card consecutive birdies at 12 and 13, before dropping shots at 14 and 16.

However, Sims has had a habit of finishing strongly so far this year, and a birdie at the par-five last saw him slip back below level par.

It is an improvement on the starts he has made to the last two tournaments, at both of which he failed to make the cut.

Tied at 37th place overnight, Sims should be quietly confident of still being around come Saturday morning.

First round leader is Australian Cameron Percy who fired an eight-under-par 64.