Eddie Pepperell fights his way back to the DP World Tour after a tough period and a dramatic Q-School finish.
For the second time in his career, Eddie Pepperell has secured his DP World Tour card through Q-School, following a challenging few years. After first earning his card in 2016, the Englishman enjoyed success, including two DP World Tour wins in 2018 and a third-place finish at the 2019 Players Championship, which propelled him into the world’s top 50. However, maintaining that level proved difficult. He narrowly retained his card several times before ultimately losing it in 2024 after missing multiple cuts early in the season.
Q-School redemption for Eddie Pepperell
Pepperell had already attempted a Q-School comeback the previous year, only to miss out due to a missed two-meter eagle putt. He then spent a season on the Challenge Tour, which brought its own struggles. At the Turkish Airlines Open, he withdrew after just six holes, citing burnout. “I’ve just played a lot of golf, not only this year but also at the end of last year, and I think it wore me down,” he explained. In a desperate attempt to retain his card the year before, he had played 11 consecutive events — to no avail.
“There’s just so much to play for,” he said in an interview with Sky. “Whether you’re in my position, fighting for a card, or on the DP World Tour trying to get to the PGA TOUR, or on the PGA TOUR trying to stay in the top 50 — it’s a lot.” After taking a break to recover, he returned with renewed energy.
Clutch finish under pressure
Despite not securing promotion through the Challenge Tour, Pepperell earned a spot in the Q-School Final — which he dubbed the “Ironman of golf” — by advancing through the Second Stage. Entering the final round, he was outside the qualification spots but delivered four consecutive birdies under immense pressure to clinch his card. “I’m actually quite proud of myself,” he told the DP World Tour. “It was a tough day with a great finish.”
The moment was emotional. When asked about the joy of overcoming such a difficult stretch, Pepperell was visibly moved. “The game has been really hard for a while,” he admitted. “I made it hard on myself. I just want to keep building on what I’ve done here.”
Looking ahead on the DP World Tour
Now back on the DP World Tour, Pepperell is eager to compete again. “I’d like to play a bit of golf at the end of the year — maybe travel to Australia, South Africa, and Mauritius,” he said before the Q-School Final. With his card secured, those plans are now within reach.