KEVIN Spurgeon will not be intimidated by the occasion when he goes head-to-head with some of golf’s greatest names in the prestigious Senior Open Championship tomorrow.

The Ferndown touring professional takes his place among a star-studded field, including Open runner-up Tom Watson, for the four-round event at Sunningdale.

Legend Watson, who will be bidding for his fourth victory in the showpiece seniors tournament, is joined on a starting list which reads like a who’s who of the sport, with the likes of Gary Player, Sir Nick Faldo, Greg Norman and Bernhard Langer all set to feature.

But despite the high calibre of the opposition, Spurgeon is relishing the challenge.

He told the Echo: “There’s a lot of good players like Langer and Norman and it’s a good test to go up against them.

“It’s great. I’ve done it for the past five years so there’s nothing new.

“But it’s nice to play with them and do bits and pieces with them – it’s good fun.”

Spurgeon, 54, has already enjoyed a couple of practice rounds this week ahead of his fourth appearance in the tournament.

And he has a clear game plan ahead of his 12.20 tee-off tomorrow, when he is due to play alongside Bob Boyd and Bob Gilder.

“The course is very good,” he said. “It’s quite tough and long, but it is playing well.

“You’ve definitely got to keep the ball on the fairways because there’s a lot of heather off the fairways.

“There’s not much run so you’ve got to use drivers and it’s just a case of keeping your tee shots on the fairway. The greens are very slick and quick.”

He added: “My aim is just to do as well as I can, hopefully make the cut and make as much money as I can.

“I’ve had a good run this year and I’m in good form, so I’ll just have to hope that carries on a bit.”

Watson has been the talk of the sporting world this week after his remarkable performance in the Open at Turnberry.

“It’s great he’s done well,” said fellow veteran Spurgeon.

“He’s been first class for 30 years and that must tell you something.”