Michael Sims might have to fire one of his career-best scores today if he's to reach the final stage of professional golf's gruelling Tour Qualifying School.

Much of the good work produced at the Bear Creek Golf Club in Murrietta, California in the first two rounds was undone in the third round yesterday when the Bermudian struggled to a two-over par 74.

That temporarily left him in a tie for 29th on a total of 216 with the prospect of dropping further down the leaderboard as several players were still out on the course when Sims signed his scorecard.

After shooting an even-par 72 in the first round followed by a two-under par second round, the 31-year-old, who lost his full privileges to play on the Nationwide Tour at last year's Q-School, endured a mixed third round that included three birdies and five bogeys, including one at the par-five ninth – a hole where he would have expected to pick up a shot.

Starting the day in a tie for 15th place in a field of more than 70 players, Sims was well placed to earn a spot in the top 20.

All of those who finish today's final round inside or tied for 20th position will advance to what has often been described as the toughest tournament in golf – the five-round final qualifier where players can earn a spot on the lucrative PGA Tour or the second tier Nationwide circuit.

In two weeks' time from December 5-9 at the Orange County National Golf Center & Lodge at Panther Lake in Winter Garden, Florida, that final battle begins.

And Sims knows that only a sparkling round today – most likely two or three under, even lower – will secure a place in that field.