EDDIE Pepperell was forced to settle for a share of second place despite a sensational final round in the British Masters yesterday.

The Abingdon golfer did not drop a shot in a stunning six-under final round at Hillside, Southport.

His superb performance saw him finish on 15 under.

But a birdie at the 18th from Marcus Kinholt saw the Swede come out on top and deny Pepperell a back-to-back victory in the tournament.

However, his display over the course of the four days gave the Frilford Heath member plenty to smile about.

“It was a good round,” he said.

“I only hit a couple of bad shots but very steady.

“The whole week, I only made two bogeys actually, which for me is remarkable.”

Pepperell picked up shots at the third, fourth and eighth to move onto the heels of the leaders.

He then hit further birdies at the 11th and 14th to close to within a shot off first place.

A further birdie at the 17th took him into a share of the lead.

Pepperell missed the green with his approach to the 18th, but a great up and down saw him close with a par.

Robert MacIntyre, who finished with eagle-birdie, drew level with Pepperell, putting the pressure on England’s Matt Wallace and 22-year-old Swede Kinholt, also on 15 under, coming down the 18th.

Wallace parred, but Kinholt slotted home his birdie putt to secure a thrilling victory.

The Swede, who finished birdie-birdie, was winning his first European Tour title at the 52nd time of asking.

Pepperell’s fine performance sets him up nicely for the US PGA Championship which gets under way on Thursday at Bethpage State Park, New York.