Though more confident as he prepares for the second stage of the annual gruelling PGA Tour Qualifying Tournament (Q-School), Michael Sims will seek some back-pocket insurance next week.

Fresh from negotiating Q-School's first stage in Texas, USA, last week, the Bermudian pro golfer will play in the South American qualifier - the equivalent of Q-School - in Florida from October 29 to November 1.

Success in this one-off event would earn Sims the right to play in the Tour De Las Americas (TLA), the South American version of the PGA, albeit less prestigious.

“The TLA 2003 Qualifying Schools will be played over 72 holes, four rounds (of) stroke play. A minimum of 20 first spots or the top 25 percent of the field will qualify,” explained the Tour's website.

Sims has a two-fold motive for deciding to contest a spot on the South American Tour.

“It's four rounds and it gives me something to play in between the stages (of PGA Q-School) to keep me sharp for tournament play. It's only one stage,” he noted.

Additionally, if the rookie pro fails to conquer Q-School, it gives him another playing option, particularly during the North American winter.

“Winter up north is summer in South America, so if worst comes to worst it would give me something to do in January and February when not much is going on up here. Hopefully, it won't come to that.”

Obviously, he would prefer the chance to press for a place on the more lucrative PGA Tour or affiliated Buy.com circuit. Advancing past Q-School's first stage last week in Texas where he had to finish in the top 20 was definitely a step in the right direction.

Sims tied for eighth with five-under 283 (73, 69, 68 and 73) to breeze through stage two

“Last week was good. I putted really well. My chipping and pitching were very good as well but I didn't hit the ball very well in the first and last rounds,” recalled the 23-year-old.

Despite a discouraging few months prior to that during which he either failed to qualify for tournaments or to make the half-way cut, Sims was not nervous about his second crack at Q-School, particularly as his opening stage last year was also at Cypresswood Country Club in Houston.

“It felt pretty comfortable going to that course, knowing where I had to hit the ball and what was necessary. You tend to have a good feeling returning to a place where you played well before,” said the Bermudian who got past the first phase last year too.

Time spent with well-known golf coach Billy Harmon also boosted Sims' morale ahead of his Q-School test.

“I had been going through a rough patch when I went to see Billy Harmon. He noticed the same things my coach (Steve Napoli) had been pointing out and he helped me work on some basic things, especially with my posture and grip. That solved a lot of the problems I had.

“The last couple weeks I've been playing much more and it's working out. I've been trying to play my way through it (rough patch).

“I'm feeling more optimistic now. It was a bit overwhelming with all the things I was working on simultaneously. When I went to Billy I was working on five things at once and my brain was going in so many different directions but now I'm getting them out of the way and I have one key swing thought now,” explained Sims.

As for what it will require to reach the Q-School final in December and excel there, the Bermudian thinks he must “hit the ball a little better”.

“That would give me more opportunities to make birdie instead of having to get up and down from everywhere.”

In the Q-School final, players with the low 35 scores and ties receive their PGA Tour cards. Other finalists get playing status on the Buy.com Tour.

In stage two, which takes place at six locations across the USA, the low 20 and ties at each venue advance to the finals. The second stage will be played between November 5 and 15.