EDDIE Pepperell’s looks well-placed to challenge after an excellent end to his opening round in Northern Ireland.

The Abingdon golfer sunk three birdies in his final five holes at the ISPS HANDA World Invitational presented by Modest! Golf Management.

It saw Pepperell finish the day on four-under par, putting him joint fifth – four shots off the lead.

The Frilford Heath member got off to a shaky start at the Galgorm Castle Golf Club, Co Antrim, with a bogey at the par-five tenth.

From there, though, the 30-year-olds round was almost flawless.

Birdies at the 12th, 16th and 18th catapulted Pepperell back up the leaderboard, although he dropped a shot at the third.

The two-time European Tour winner’s late charge saw him end the day in a very healthy position and he tees off for his second round at 2.09pm tomorrow.