European Tour golfer Eddie Pepperell has returned his sponsorship money from Frilford Heath to create 24 free junior memberships at the club.

The world No 107, from Abingdon, is keen to encourage more youngsters to take up the game and wants the places to go to children who either do not play the sport or are not already members at other clubs.

Frilford have backed Pepperell since he turned professional, but this is the second year he has chosen to return the financial support.

It will include coaching, plus a reduced fee for the second year, and is open to anyone aged 10-18.

There will be a particular focus on six local schools with which Frilford have links, including John Mason, Abingdon, where Pepperell studied.

He said: “I feel it’s good to try and spread the word and get people from all levels playing.

“I want to try and do as much as I can to get kids playing the game and get people away from the view it’s an old man’s game.

“I wasn’t keen with it being ‘Eddie Pepperell this and that’.

“I want to support it and financially I’m giving them money back. But I don’t see it as being my money.

“In the future maybe I would like to set up an academy, but at the moment my career is the priority and these things I can do on the side.”

On top of the memberships, Pepperell will also support Frilford’s Junior Gold Medal and is hoping his other sponsors will be able to provide prizes.

As with last summer, he will also host a clinic for the top young players in the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Union.

The scheme will open on January 11 and those interested need to apply before the March 31 deadline.

Alistair Booth, executive director at Frilford said: “A lot of professionals are wanting to grab every penny they can.

“But here’s a lad who in his second year he wanted to give back to junior golf.

“It shows tremendous character and a lack of greed.

“He’s wanted to give back as soon as he could. It’s more than a gesture, it’s an example to all.”

Pepperell, who lost a play-off for the Irish Open last year, is due to return to European Tour action later this month at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, during which he will turn 25.

Visit frilfordheath.co.uk for more information on the membership scheme.

The schools involved are 

Dunmore, Abingdon 
Abingdon Prep
Fitzharrys, Abingdon
Radley College 
Larkmead, Abingdon
John Mason, Abingdon