Kevin Spurgeon has become Ferndown's touring professional and will represent the club all over the world on the European Seniors' Tour.

Spurgeon, who was club professional at Dudsbury, is enthusiastic about his new club.

"I am looking forward to representing Ferndown on the Seniors' Tour and be able to play on a nice course and practice on a good range," he said.

"I know a lot of people at the club and hope I can do well enough to advertise the golf club round Europe and the world through the exposure of the tour on television."

Spurgeon, who is being sponsored again this year by Merlo UK through John Iles, has been a great supporter of the annual Alliss-Merlo charity day at the Ferndown.

Club secretary Chris Davies said: "We are delighted to welcome Kevin to the club and we hope he has another successful year on tour.

"The members appreciate having a touring player at the club and will look forward to following his results. He will probably be a fairly active member and take part in social golf here when he has the time."

Spurgeon, aged 50, wants to play with the members whenever possible. Last year the club agreed to allow club professional Neil Pike and his assistant Scott Godfrey the chance to play in club medals although they were not allowed to win.

Mr Davies said: "That was the practice at my previous club and we introduced it here last year. Professionals seldom have the chance to play with a card in their hand so this offers the opportunity.

"Members can be drawn with the professionals and I am sure Kevin wants to join in when he is here."

After finishing 21st on the order of merit and earning the Rookie of the Year title after making £67,000 in his debut season he is determined to finish even higher this year.

He said: "I want to practice hard and put more effort into my game. Last year everything was all new to me but now I know what to expect and where I am going to be playing.

"Because of my ranking I am assured of starting in every tournament. I managed to play all but two of the 21 events last year."