CHAMPION Kevin Spurgeon is relishing the prospect of defending his first European Senior Tour title next week.

The Ferndown favourite returns to sunnier climes this weekend in a bid to win back-to-back Mauritius Open tournaments.

“This is a whole new experienced for me,” admitted the 55-year-old touring professional. “There’s a little bit of added pressure being the champion and I will be up against a lot of great players. But Mauritius is the place to be at this time of year and I’m just going to relax and enjoy the warm weather.”

Spurgeon goes into the competition in 22nd place on the 2011 order of merit money list after a satisfactory start to the season in Australia and Japan (Handa Cup Senior Masters) over the past few weeks.

He made both cuts and earned 8,744 euros. His best finish was tied 19th in the Australian Senior Open with a two-over-par total after rounds of 71, 73 and 74 – 11 shots behind winner Peter Senior.

Spurgeon, meanwhile, is looking forward to the red carpet treatment in Mauritius.

“They’ve looked after us (Spurgeon and wife Elly) really well providing a flight and first-class accommodation for me to defend my title.”

The Mauritius Commercial Bank Open starts on Friday December 10.