Eddie Pepperell fights his way back to the DP World Tour after a tough career stretch and a dramatic Q-School finish.
For the second time since 2016, Eddie Pepperell has successfully navigated Q-School to regain his DP World Tour card. The Englishman’s journey since his first qualification has been anything but smooth. In 2018, he won twice on the DP World Tour and finished third at the Players Championship the following year, propelling him into the world’s top 50. But maintaining that level proved to be a different challenge. Pepperell repeatedly had to fight for his tour card, barely holding on until he lost it entirely in 2024 after missing several cuts early in the season. He attempted a comeback through Q-School a year ago but narrowly missed out after failing to sink a two-meter eagle putt.
Challenge Tour struggles and burnout
What followed was a year on the Challenge Tour, which brought its own difficulties. At the Turkish Airlines Open, he withdrew after just six holes and a quadruple bogey, citing burnout. “I’ve just played a lot of golf, not just this year but also at the end of last year, and I think it wore me down,” he explained. The previous year, he had played 11 consecutive tournaments in a desperate attempt to keep his card—unsuccessfully. Even after that, his schedule didn’t ease up. “There’s just so much to play now,” he told Sky. “Whether you’re in my position, fighting for a card, or trying to stay in the top 50 on the PGA TOUR, there’s a lot to commit to.” The toll became too much, and he took a break to recover.
Q-School redemption for Pepperell
Despite his efforts, the Challenge Tour wasn’t enough to secure a return to the top tier, prompting another Q-School attempt. He earned his spot in the final stage—what he calls the “Ironman of golf”—by advancing through the Second Stage a week earlier. This time, he approached the final with more energy and a relaxed mindset, and it paid off. Near the end of his last round, he was outside the qualification spots but delivered four consecutive birdies under immense pressure. “I’m actually quite proud of myself,” he told the DP World Tour. “It was a tough day with a great finish.”
Emotional return to the DP World Tour
The moment was deeply emotional. Asked about his feelings after such a difficult period, Pepperell was visibly moved. “The game was really hard for a while,” he said. “I made it hard on myself. I just want to build on what I’ve achieved here.”
Now back on the DP World Tour, Pepperell is looking ahead. “I’d like to play some golf at the end of the year—maybe travel to Australia, South Africa, or Mauritius,” he said before the Q-School final. With his card secured, those dreams are once again within reach.