EDDIE Pepperell says he has “good vibes” about the next month as the Abingdon golfer looks to kickstart his season with a series of events closer to home.

The 24-year-old tees up at the Spanish Open this morning for his first tournament of the season in Europe.

The short trip to the Real Club de Golf El Prat, near Barcelona, is in contrast to Pepperell’s other 2015 European Tour outings in the Middle East, Asia and Africa.

While a fourth place at the Qatar Masters in January ensures he is still ranked in the top 70, the Frilford Heath golfer is still waiting to find top form.

“I don’t feel like my season has got going yet,” he said.

“I have never done very well in the past at the beginning of the season, but this is the best position I have been in.”

In his previous two years on the elite circuit, Pepperell has ignited his campaign with strong runs at this time of year.

And with trips to Wentworth, Northern Ireland and Sweden coming up in successive weeks, there is an opportunity to make significant ground.

Although the Spanish Open event moves venue every year, there is a common denominator which will give Pepperell confidence when he steps on to the first tee at 11.10am (BST).

He said: “The courses are quite tough at the Spanish Open, so scoring is never that low.

“It’s more about hanging in there and doing that type of golf which I think comes easier to me, rather than shooting 25-under par.

“For the events coming up I have good vibes, but am under no illusions that I have to be playing well.”

Since playing two events in China last month, Pepperell has changed coach, parting ways with Mike Walker after almost two years.

He has hired Jamie Gough, younger brother of ex-Scotland international footballer Richard, whose clients have included Miguel Angel Jimenez and Jose Maria Olazabal.

Pepperell acknowledged it was not an easy decision, particularly after progressing under Walker, but hopes it is the right move.

He said: “I think this is the first decision I have had to make that isn’t black and white – this one is a risk in many ways.

“I get on well with Mike, (the problem) is more in my game and hitting the same bad shot again and again.”