Bermudian Michael Sims made a solid start to his first tournament of 2003, opening his Caribbean Open campaign with an even-par 72 yesterday.

Playing at Our Lucaya Golf Resort in Freeport, The Bahamas, the pro golfer finished locked in a seven-way tie for 17th place after the first round. He is eight shots adrift of leader John Bloomfield of Jamaica, one of two players with whom Sims teed off.

Bloomfield, a 23-year-old engineering graduate who turned pro last year, threw down the gauntlet with an awesome round of 64 to equal the eight-under course record set by Puerto Rico's Chi Chi Rodriguez in 1971. American Richard Terga is second after a six-under 66.

The competition is the first event of the South American Tour season. Sims, 23, qualified to compete on the Tour by finishing in the top 25 of the South American Q-School late last year.

Meanwhile, three other Bermudians, competing as amateurs, found the going tougher yesterday. Eldon Raynor carded 81 (71st place) while both Max Atherden and Winston Robinson shot 91 (87th place).