DORSET'S Kevin Spurgeon has made his best start to the European Seniors Tour in his fourth season at the top level.

The 2005 rookie of the year is currently 26th in the Order of Merit after the first two events in Barbados and the Azores.

Spurgeon claimed a share of 27th place at Royal Westmoreland in the DGM Barbados Open last month and finished joint 18th in the Azores Senior Open on Sunday.

"I'm normally a bit of a slow starter, so to get two good results so quickly is very pleasing," said Spurgeon, who celebrates his 53rd birthday later this month.

"It was the third time I've played in Barbados and have normally struggled on the Westmoreland course.

"But this year I was more settled and played some really good golf and managed to earn my first four-figure cheque," added Spurgeon, who won £1,300.

Spurgeon only knew he was playing in Barbados four days before the event.

"I was originally 10th reserve and moved up to first on the list just a week before, so I had already planned to travel and have 10 days practice if I didn't get in," explained Spurgeon.

Spurgeon, who finished 33rd on last year's Order of Merit, was hoping for a top-10 finish in the inaugural Azores Open until a poor start to his final round.

A double bogey six at the third and another dropped shot at the ninth saw Spurgeon slide down the leader board.

But the Ferndown touring professional steadied the ship with birdies at the 11th and 12th and dropped just one more shot to secure his first top-20 finish of the year and cheque for £3,600.

Spurgeon, who is being sponsored by Ringwood-based UK Merlo for a fourth successive season, is confident of claiming his maiden victory on Tour.

"I finished the season poorly last year because of a wrist injury, but I'm fully fit now and looking forward to establishing myself back in the top 30.

"I've had a second-placed finish and few other top 10s, so I know I have it in me to compete with the best and hopefully I can go one step further and win an event."

  • Parkstone-based professional Lee James, also sponsored by UK Merlo, carded a level par 71 in the first round of the Portuguese Open today. He was seven shots behind early pacesetter Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano.