EDDIE Pepperell’s outside hopes of making Europe’s Ryder Cup team have suffered a setback.

Only victory in the European Tour event in Denmark would be enough for the Abingdon golfer to secure automatic qualification for the event in Paris next month.

Although Pepperell carded a two-under round of 70 in Aarhus, he is six shots off the lead in a share of 39th.

After dropping a shot at the second, he hit birdies at the third, fifth and sixth.

However, a double bogey at the eighth halted his charge.

An eagle at the 11th and birdie at the 12th recovered the situation, but another bogey at the 17th concluded a frustrating opening round.