EDDIE Pepperell endured a frustrating opening round at the Saudi International.

The Frilford Heath member carded a one-over-par 71 at the Royal Greens G&CC this morning.

Starting at the tenth, Pepperell reached the turn on one under following a mixed first half to his round.

After birdieing his second, dropped shots at his fifth and seventh saw the World No 39 slip to one over.

But the Abingdon golfer recovered well with successive birdies to card a one-under-par 34 at the turn.

Five straight pars helped Pepperell stabilise his round, but back-to-back bogeys at his 15th and 16th saw him slip to one over.

He finds himself in share of 82nd and eight shots behind leader Thomas Pieters.

Pepperell will begin his second round at 9.35am (GMT) tomorrow, partnering Patrick Reed and Lee Westwood.