DORSET seniors star Kevin Spurgeon will be on hand to answer any last minute call-up to this month’s DGM Barbados Open.

The 53-year-old Ferndown touring professional is travelling to the Caribbean despite not making the starting line-up for the second European Seniors Tour event of the year on March 18-20.

Spurgeon, who finished tied 18th in the tour’s curtain-raiser in Brunei on Sunday, had already booked a trip to Barbados with his wife Ellie.

But due to the credit crunch there are fewer pro-am teams compared to the corresponding event last.

“They are four or five teams down which has had a knock-on affect on how many professional players are needed,” explained Spurgeon, who is fourth reserve for the tournament.

“Last year I qualified with a worse ranking than this year, but who knows there may be some late team entries and a few late withdrawals.

“Anyhow I will be there and ready to play at a moment’s notice. If I don’t get in I will have 10 days to practice in a warmer climate.”

Spurgeon is hoping to build on his promising start in The Aberdeen Brunei Senior Masters. He was one of nine players sharing 18th place after rounds of 69, 73 and 72 for a one-over-par total – eight shots behind winner Mike Cunning from the Asian Tour.

“It was a fantastic experience despite the time difference and 16-hour flight,” said Spurgeon.

“I played solidly and although my putter went a little cold on the final few days, I took a lot of positives away with me.

“I hit every green in regulation on the final day and if I had held a few more putts, a top-five finish was well within reach. But it was important to start the season well and I can go into the next event full of confidence.”

The next scheduled event after Barbados is in Majorca on May 8.