EDDIE Pepperell will play in the US Open next month after playing superbly in qualifying at Walton Heath.

The Frilford Heath member finished in a share of fifth place on 11-under-par in the 36-hole competition to claim one of 15 spots.

It will see him play at Erin Hills alongside the sport’s biggest names, starting on June 15.

Pepperell's achievement matched his effort from 2013, when he came through qualifying to secure a place at Merion.

The golfer from Abingdon has only made two cuts on the European Tour this season and did not get off to a good start, dropping a shot on the opening hole of his first round, on the Old Course.

But he quickly responded, picking up birdies at the third, fifth, seventh and ninth to reach the turn three-under.

A bogey at the tenth slowed the 26-year-old’s progress, but he picked up three shots in the closing five holes to card a five-under-par 67.

While it got Pepperell into contention, he needed to push on to get into the top-15.

A birdie at the New Course’s opening hole was followed by further gained strokes at the seventh, eighth and ninth to charge into the leading pack.

The flawless round continued as he picked up further strokes on 11 and 13 and although there was one blemish with a bogey at the 17th, he finished in style with a birdie at the last.

Now Pepperell will be aiming to build on his experience four years ago, where he missed the cut in difficult conditions.

Oxford Mail:

  • Eddie Pepperell during practice before the US Open in 2013  Picture: AP Photo/Gene J Puskar