EDDIE Pepperell was unable to make a winning start on the opening day of the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play in Austin, Texas.
The Frilford Heath member, ranked 34 in the world, was beaten 2&1 by American Gary Woodland in Group 2.
Pepperell, from Abingdon, was three down after six holes.
Woodland eagled the first thanks to an 87-yard second shot, before birdies at the fourth and sixth put the World No 22 in control early on.
But Pepperell responded well to win four of the next five holes to go one up.
His run included a 30ft putt at the seventh, before his opponent found the water at the 11th.
But Pepperell was unable to continue his charge as he bogeyed two of his last five holes as Woodland claimed victory.
Justin Rose beat Emiliano Grillo 2&1 in the other Group 2 match.
Pepperell takes on World No 2 Rose in his second match at 3.26pm GMT.
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