Michael Sims faces his annual dose of stomach-churning tension this week as the Island?s best golfer seeks to make it past the second stage of PGA Tour Q School at the seventh time of asking.

A graveyard for many a young, talented golfer who has wilted under the incredible pressure of being only four decent rounds away from a lucrative spot on either the PGA or Nationwide Tours, Sims has also never made it past the penultimate qualifying phase and as a result has spent most of his 20s scratching out a living on the many North American mini-tours instead.

But having shaken off a persistent wrist injury which dogged most of his season, and after producing one of his most encouraging first-phase performances at the Cypresswood Golf Club in Texas by finishing eighth in six-under par, things are definitely looking up for the 27-year-old.

Between today and Sunday, close to 600 golfers spread across six different courses will be chasing the dream, with Sims due to tee off at the 7,153-yard Lake Jovita Country Club in Dade City, Florida at 11.05 local time. As usual, around 80 players will progress through to the final stage, all of whom are guaranteed at least conditional status on the Nationwide Tour ? one rung down from the PGA.

Last year at the Hombre Golf Club in Panama City, Florida, Sims saw his hopes dashed after a promising start.

Having carded a four-under 68 in the first round, a four-over second round score of 76 saw him plummet down the leaderboard ? ultimately finishing tied for 40th and completely out of contention.