EDDIE Pepperell is playing at the Wales Open today, but he is exploring opportunities to compete in the United States over the next few months.

The Abingdon golfer begins his challenge at the ISPA Handa Wales Open at 2.24pm alongside Kurt Kitayama and Sami Valimaki.

But he has shelved plans to join the field in Spain and Portugal at the start of next month to ensure there are no coronavirus issues which could stop him playing at the US Open later in September.

And with the 29-year-old frustrated by the amount of safety restrictions in place at European Tour venues a factor, Pepperell is looking into the possibility of playing more often on the other side of the Atlantic.

He said: “Alex Levy tested positive last week so had to self-isolate for a fortnight – if that happens to me in Spain or Portugal I wouldn’t be able to play in the US Open.

“That’s my main priority and I won’t play for the two weeks before that because I don’t want to risk anything that would stop me going there.

“I’m very tired of the strict rules (in Europe).

“There’s a bit more freedom over there with the golf.

“I will definitely play where I can and I’m trying to get other invites.

“Even if it’s later in the year that opportunities arise I would look at taking them.”

Pepperell has played twice since the European Tour returned from its coronavirus-enforced suspension.

After finishing in a tie for 47th at the Betfred British Masters he then withdrew from the Hero Open after an opening round of 76 made it unlikely he would make the cut.

While playing behind closed doors was not a big problem, the regulations in place elsewhere at the venue were.

He said: “The lack of crowds wasn’t a huge issue, it was everything else with how strict the restrictions were.

“You’re in a bubble at the venue but then you’re put in another one because you can only have dinner with your caddie.

“The first week I got lucky because there weren’t many people onsite.

“The second week was a much bigger hotel and I didn’t enjoy any of it.

“As soon as I had a really bad Thursday my head was home before I should have been.

“I wasn’t sure if I was going to do any more of the UK events

“But I’m playing well at home, so I’m desperate to play, although at the same time I know how little I enjoy that lifestyle.”