IN-FORM Kevin Spurgeon believes another European Senior Tour victory is “just around the corner” following a near-miss in Spain.

It has been two-and-half years since he claimed his maiden title in Mauritius, but the Dorset star is confident he can add another sooner rather than later.

Spurgeon came close to a second title in the Benahavis Senior Masters earlier this month, finishing sixth at the La Quinta Golf and Country Club.

Paired in the penultimate group with former Ryder Cup captain Mark James and eventual winner Gary Wolstenholme, he was “putted off the course” by the pair.

“It’s as close as I’ve come to winning again and it was great to be in the mix,” said Spurgeon. “My confidence is sky high.”

Spurgeon carded rounds of 67, 68 and 68 for a 10-under-par total and picked up a cheque for 8,000 euros.

A temperature downturn of 20 degrees greeted Spurgeon and his Tour pals at last weekend’s ISPS Handa PGA Senior Masters at Slaley Hall in Northumberland.

Despite being handed the worst of the draw, Spurgeon was pleased with a top-40 finish thanks to a second-round 71 in a rain-affected tournament.

“The course was almost unplayable,” said Spurgeon. “I’m pleased with my 71, even though it took days. I played 10 holes one day and eight the next.”

Spurgeon staked a share of 39th after rounds of 77, 71 and 75 for a seven-over-par total in a competition which was reduced from four to three rounds due to the wet weather.

The 1,914 euros prize winnings lifted Spurgeon’s total to 10,387 after just four events and moved him up to 26th in the order of merit.

Spurgeon will be looking to build on his promising start over a three-week period, starting with the Van Lanschot Senior Open in Holland on Friday.