MARTIN Le Mesurier is eyeing number one spot in the Matchroom Sport PGA EuroPro Tour order of merit after a fine start to the new season.

The golfer from the Brokenhurst Manor Club, who just missed out on a slot in the European Tour's Final Tour School last autumn, has achieved top five finishes in the first two events of the fast-growing UK-based tour.

Former Hampshire amateur champion Le Mesurier took fourth place at the Lakerwood Country Club in Hertfordshire after shooting rounds of 68 and 69 for a four under par total of 137.

Scotland's Paul McKecknie bagged the £10,000 first prize with Le Mesurier returning to his Langley home in the New Forest with a cheque for £1,800.

He bolstered his earnings by finishing fifth in the next tournament, the Pokermillion.Com Classic at Princes.

Le Mesurier was tailed off in midfield after a first round 74 but made a rapid climb up the leaderboard with rounds of 69 and 68 to finish at three under, four behind the winner - Nick Ludwell - who closed with a course record 63.

Alresford left-hander James Ablett was well to the fore with a level par total (74 69 67) for a share of 11th place. Tied 15th was the Hampshire Open champion Steve Cowle from Blacknest who shot rounds of 74 73 and 67.

Ablett missed the cut at Lakerwood where Cowle was 34th alongside Ceb Aby from the Chilworth Club.

All four Hampshire golfers have entered the next EuroPro Tour event at Quinta Da Marinha this week.