January 30, 2013 at 5:54 p.m.
Sims seeking Kiwi fame
A good showing at the Nationwide Tour event could pave the way for the Bermudian to make more appearances on the lucrative tour this year.
Sims barely missed out on retaining his full-time tour status last year - despite enjoying his best season since turning pro in 2002.
That bitter disappointment forced the University of Rhodes Island graduate to do some "soul searching" which he believes will pay off further down the road.
He said: "I did a lot of reflecting and talking with my coach (Mike Taylor) trying to figure out where I need to go, what I need to do and how I need to go about it to get better.
"There was a lot of soul searching going on, which is good because I believe you have to do some soul searching in order to get better."
In addition to soul searching, the island's top golfer has been trying to perfect his swing ahead of the New Zealand Open that commences two days before his 31st birthday.
"My swing is actually the best it's ever looked," he said.
Sims made 13 cuts and peaked with two top ten finishes on last year's Nationwide Tour to take his career earnings to $142,297.
And he is confident he can build upon those achievements.
"Right now I feel like I am a lot better than what I was two years ago. Just the comfort level of going back to play the same golf courses plays a big factor in being comfortable out there," he added.
"I basically have the same status I had last year only my number is far better than it was to start off the year.
"But I still have to go out there before the first reshuffle, perform well and get exempt for more tournaments down the line. I think this year is going to be a good year for me."
Sims, who ranks 27th in driving distance on the Nationwide Tour, has competed Down Under before where he has taking a liking to local conditions.
He said: "If you look at where a lot of my good finishes were last year they came in places that I am comfortable playing in. And I am definitely looking forward to going there. I think being comfortable with your surroundings always plays a factor and so this will be a good opportunity for me."
Following this month's New Zealand Open Sims will tee off at the $700,000 Moonah Classic in nearby Australia where the mission will be the same.
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