Sim keeping eyes on 2018 this week
MICHAEL Sim says he is still hurting from missing out on a Japan Golf Tour card for 2018 but is adamant there is much to play for at the Australian PGA Championship.
Sim didn’t plan on competing for the Kirkwood Cup this week at Royal Pines, originally on track to feature in the fourth qualifying stage of the Japan Golf Tour that is also set to begin today.
But the 33-year-old Robina resident fell one shot short in the third stage earlier this month, dinting his plans for 2018 as he and partner Simone prepare to welcome a baby in February. “I was hoping to get up there,” Sim said.
“They start in April next year so it would have been good timing for us having a baby in February.
“That was the main goal, that is what I was shooting for all year.
“To fall a shot short was a bit of a shot to the guts, to be honest.
“I have just got to move on and try to have a good week this week. It’s the last event of the year and I will try to put a plan together for 2018.”
Sim finished tied 21st at four under at last year’s Australian PGA Championship.
Sim’s victory at the Queensland Open – his first professional win on home soil – in October provided him a full-time spot on the PGA Tour of Australasia for the remainder
of 2017 and 2018.
The Lakelands Golf Club player could still secure another Tour card for next year with a win at the Australian PGA Championship coming with a spot on the European circuit.
“There is a lot to play for,” Sim said. “There is a lot on the line for a win. I have just got to shoot for that and try and get in the hunt on the back nine on Sunday.
“I’m playing nice.
“I have had a week off to freshen up and it’s probably the best I have felt going in to a PGA physically. I’m looking forward to the event.”
Sim played a practice round at Royal Pines on Monday and said the Graham Marsh-redesigned Championship course looked good.
“The course has really matured the last three years. The greens are starting to set,” he said.
I HAVE JUST GOT TO MOVE ON AND TRY TO HAVE A GOOD WEEK THIS WEEK. GOLD COAST GOLFER MICHAEL SIM