BATTLE-weary Kevin Spurgeon will spend two months in South Africa to help recuperate for next season’s European Senior Tour after finishing 31st on this year’s money list.

“The break will do me good after a rather up-and-down year,” said Spurgeon, who completed the 2009 season in Spain at the weekend.

Spurgeon and his wife Ellie will stay with family in Johannesburg before returning to their Ferndown home in late January.

“It will give me a chance to relax and work on my game in a warm climate,” added Spurgeon, who will practice at the Royal Johannesburg Golf and Country Club.

Spurgeon brought this year’s campaign to an end with an erratic performance in the OKI Castellon Senior Tour Championship.

“I played well for the first two days and then went AWOL on the last one,” explained Spurgeon, who came joint 37th after rounds of 73, 69 and 78.

“Although I didn’t do too well in the final few events, I achieved my objective for the season,” added the Ferndown touring professional.

“I’ve kept my card and have a job for next season, that’s the important thing.”

The 54-year-old stalwart got off to a flying start with two top-five finishes in the first six events, but a back injury during the Scottish Senior Open in August saw him go off the boil.

“I’m fine now, but at the time I lost my momentum and the rhythm to my swing,” admitted Spurgeon, who failed to finish in the top 35 of the final four events.

Spurgeon, however, won’t have long to reflect on the past as the 2010 season kicks off with the Mauritius Commercial Open on December 11-13.

The remainder of the European Senior Tour schedule has yet to be finalised with the next likely event not due until March. The only definite date in that month is the Berenberg Bank Masters at Fancourt in South Africa on March 26-28.

A grateful Spurgeon, meanwhile, has secured sponsorship from William and Christine Shade of Deanside Lettings for a second successive year.