Spurgeon loses maiden tag with victory in first-ever MCB Open

England’s Kevin Spurgeon has become the first-ever Mauritius Commercial Bank Open champion after a resolute performance in the final round on the Legend course at the Constance Belle Mare Plage resort on Sunday.

Without a win in five years on the Senior Tour, Spurgeon overcame a four-stroke deficit after the 11th hole to secure a one-stroke victory over fellow Englishman Gordon J Brand, with Paraguay’s Angel Franco and Scotland’s fast-finishing Sam Torrance a further shot behind on 212.
The 54-year-old Spurgeon had five birdies and three bogies in his final round 72 for a total of 210, six-under-par.

But it was a double-bogey five at the short 11th that appeared to have cost him his chance of the title as South African David Frost and England’s Nick Job applied the pressure.
“I thought I had blown it when I double-bogeyed 11 but I picked up a couple of birdies and played the last hole from memory.
“I don’t remember it but I was delighted when my third shot landed on the green.”
Reflecting on the first visit of the Senior Tour to the Constance Belle Mare Plage resort, Spurgeon said:
“It has been a great experience and the tournament has been a resounding success. “The course is tough but rewards good golf and the resort is wonderful.
“I’m so looking forward to coming back here next year and defending my title.”

Leading final scores: 210 K Spurgeon (Eng) 71 67 72; 211 Gordon J Brand (Eng) 72 70 69; 212 A Franco (Par) 70 72 70, S Torrance (Sco) 74 71 67; 213 J Bland (RSA) 72 70 71, B Boyd (USA) 73 69 71, M Cunning (USA) 74 72 67, D Frost (RSA) 70 70 73; 214 R Chapman (Eng) 70 73 71, R Willison (Eng) 72 72 70.

Neil webber