Michael Sims isn’t taking anything for granted as he attempts to qualify for a second straight PGA Bermuda Championship at Port Royal Golf Course.

Expectations are again high for the former Korn Ferry Tour player to secure one of the spots at the local qualifying event, which gets under way today.

However, Sims refuses to get ahead of himself and is keeping his feet planted firmly on the ground.

“First of all, those are other people’s expectations,” he said. “All I can do is deal with what’s in front of me, take it one shot at a time, play as best as I can and let the cards fall where they fall.

“But I’m always hungry to get out there and I feel great.

“I’m definitely happy to be back home, where I’m looking forward to playing the next couple of days, and how cool it is we get to do this again.

“I just want to go out there, have some fun and hit balls.”

The professional finished highest among the five local players at the inaugural PGA Bermuda Championship last year, just missing the cut after carding an even-par 142 through 36 holes.

Sims qualified for the championship after finishing as joint medallist, along with fellow professional Kenny Leseur and top amateur Jarryd Dillas. Daniel Augustus, a first alternate, and Dwayne Pearman were both included for the tournament on a sponsor exemption.

Sims warmed up on the eve of local qualifier with a practice round at Port Royal yesterday with a group that included Pearman and Augustus. The same trio have also been paired together for the first round of the qualifier.

“The golf course is in amazing shape,” Sims said. “These boys have been doing an excellent job and it’s good to be here.

“It looks like they have tightened a couple of fairways and the greens are rolling really good.”

Meanwhile, others expected to be thick in the hunt for the qualifying spots among the 24-strong field include professionals Pearman, Augustus and Camiko Smith and amateurs Dillas, Jevon Roberts and Eric West.

Augustus and West are coming in with momentum, having won the professional and amateur titles at the Johnnie Walker Classic at Ocean View Golf Course last month.

Leseur has been ruled out because of school studies abroad.

The Bermuda Championship will be played from October 29 to November 1.