Aberdonian Michael Sim among favourites

 for South Pacific Open

PGA OF AUSTRALIA NEWS RELEASE
The crystal clear waters of the Pacific Ocean are enough to draw anyone from anywhere and it's a backdrop that has spurred on many players to tee it up at this year's South Pacific Open Championship at Tina Golf Course in New Caledonia.
The French island nation has quickly become a favourite stop for players on the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia.
Scot Michael Sim, Aberdeen-born and a four-time winner on Web.com Tour, is making his first appearance at the South Pacific Open Championship and is excited to be continuing his summer of golf in New Caledonia.
"I decided to play a few weeks ago and I'm looking forward to getting over there and playing," said Sim.
"It's obviously a good opportunity to play after limited tournaments over the last four months and start the Australian summer in Nouméa."
Not just content with teeing it up in one of the world's most beautiful regions; climbing the Tour's Order of Merit is at the forefront of Sim's mind and the South Pacific Open Championship presents the chance for the Scottish-born Professional to make his mark on the money list.
"It's a good opportunity; everyone looks to climb the money list," added Sim.
"I've just go to go out there and give myself the best opportunity on Sunday and if a win happens that's great, if not, it's all good experience."
The in-form Sim, who emigrated from Westhill in Aberdeen's suburbs to Australia with his family when he was seven or eight years old, is happy with where his game is at leading into the South Pacific Open Championship after securing a victory at the City of Brisbane Pro-Am with a 9-under 56.
"I've been playing steady; overall I'm just looking forward to starting in Nouméa and hopefully I can build on some confidence and some good play."
Sim is also enthusiastic about immersing himself in the French culture and experience all the beauty New Caledonia has to offer.
"I'm staying with Aaron Pike for the week and we have a hire car so I'm sure we'll get around to most places. I always like to do something touristy."
However, when asked about his French speaking abilities Sim wasn't overly confident in his language skills.
"They're zero," he laughed
The South Pacific Open Championship will be played from 21-24 September at Tina Golf Club in Noumea with a field of 109 players vying for a prize purse of AU$140,000
The winner will receive Official World Golf Ranking Points and become fully exempt on to the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia for the remainder of this season plus a further year.