Eddie Pepperell believes his game is moving in the right direction as the two-time DP World Tour winner aims to get back into contention at the 2022 Cazoo Classic.
The Englishman enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in 2018 when he won the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters and Sky Sports British Masters, and despite a dip in form in recent seasons Pepperell is in a good place as he returns to a course that suits his game.
Pepperell finished tied second on the DP World Tour’s last visit to Hillside for the 2019 Betfred British Masters hosted by Tommy Fleetwood, and the 31 year old is relishing the chance to get back into action around the links layout after a two week break.
The Cazoo Classic is the third event of six-week UK swing, with the Hero Open at Fairmont St Andrews to follow next, with Pepperell keen to put a run together going into the second half of the season.
“It is the start of a nice run in the UK and then a busy end to the year. Historically this week and next week would be two courses I would feel very comfortable on.
“But there has been a lot going on with my game, so I am waiting for the big mistake not to arrive. That might sound a little defensive but sometimes that can be all you need.
“I think I am doing a lot of good things in my game so I don’t feel too far away from putting a good couple of rounds together, kicking on and then hopefully getting in contention which would be the big next step.
“It is around the corner but there is going to be an element of letting it happen and also making it happen. I think I have done enough to make it happen, I just now need to go and play and let the scores come to me. I am pretty close.”
Pepperell finished tied sixth at The Open Championship during his successful 2018 campaign, while he has also enjoyed impressive results at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship and Scotland’s national Open in the past so he is hopeful his experience on links courses will prove invaluable this week.
“Being a links course, which historically I have done quite well on, adds to that reason for belief,” he added.
“Getting the ball on the deck is usually the play on links, especially if there is some wind around which I think there might be a bit of.
"Keeping the ball in play and away from bunkers is also important and if so, you should do OK. With the new mounds that they have built, it does frame the holes nicely as well.”
