EDDIE Pepperell declared he is in the form of his life after an outstanding run of results on the European Tour.

The Abingdon golfer has climbed almost 100 places in the world rankings to a career-high of 171 after claiming four top-five finishes in just over a month.

High placings in Denmark, the Czech Republic and Italy were followed up last weekend by a share of fourth place at the ISPS Handa Wales Open at Celtic Manor.

It is an extraordinary run for the 23-year-old, whose previous best in 18 months on the Tour was two joint sixth-place finishes.

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Pepperell, who represents Frilford Heath, is revelling in the form, but is not surprised.

“I think I’m playing the best golf of my life,” he said. “I’m hitting the ball further and hitting it better.

“All aspects are good, but it’s also fair to say it’s not a purple patch.

“I expect myself to play at this level more regularly.

“I don’t feel like it’s a flash in the pan, it’s just been a case of unlocking the performance.

“The consistency is something I have wanted for a while.

“That’s what you want to achieve because it’s a sign you have got everything under control.”

The result in Wales came down to a stellar third round, when he shot an eight-under par 63.

It was the joint best 18-hole total of the week and Pepperell’s lowest on the European Tour.

He said: “It was one of those effortless days that don’t come around very often.”

The run, during which he has earned a staggering £215,000, has secured Pepperell’s place on the elite circuit for next season and significantly boosted his chances of competing in the season-ending World Tour Championship in Dubai.

That is reserved for the top 60 players in the rankings and as the season enters its closing stages, Pepperell lies 55th.

The Tour takes a break this week due to the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles and Oxfordshire’s No 1 is looking forward to the clash.

He said: “I think it has more excitement to it than any other event, I would put it above the Masters or the Open.”

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