Golf is a difficult, often emotional game. But the frustration is multiplied many times over when you move from your local town to the professional golf tournaments, where professionals fight for their career survival every year. Just ask Eddie Pepperell.
The popular profession has experienced a career slump recently, losing its DP World Tour card in process. But this week, Pepperell had a dramatic finish with four birdies DP World Tour Q-School to regain its status for 2026.
Pepperell’s emotional reaction in an interview after the round spoke volumes.
Here’s what you need to know.
Eddie Pepperell closes with four birdies to reclaim his DP World Tour card
In 2018, Pepperell was briefly the toast of pro golf. He won twice on the DP World Tour and finished T6 at the Open Championship. He then earned a T3 at the 2019 Players Championship to break into the top 50 in the Official World Golf Ranking.
;)
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But Pepperell’s game dropped significantly in the following years. This time last year, Pepperell was forced to go to the DP World Tour Q-School to secure his playing status. He had an eagle putt on the final hole that would have given him his tour card, but he missed it and was forced to play a combined program in 2025.
Back at Q-School this year, Pepperell made it through the second stage last week to qualify for this week’s final stage at Infinitum Golf in Spain. The final stage is a grueling six-round tournament with the top 20 finishers earning their DP World Tour cards.
Pepperell got off to a slow start with scores of 70 and 71 in the first two rounds, but then shot 68-67-68 to take a one-round lead.
But with four holes left in the final round, Pepperell was on the outside looking in. He would need an epic finish to earn his tournament card. And he got it.
The 34-year-old English veteran rattled off four consecutive birdies over the final four holes to finish on 19 under, one shot short of what he needed.
Pepperell tears up after securing tournament card: ‘I’m so proud’
It was an incredible clutch finish for Pepperell, which will result in golf fans watching the popular pro more often next year.
But for Pepperell, the termination could be a career saver. Given the struggles he’s experienced over the past few years, Pepperell understandably grew emotional in an interview conducted shortly after the finish.
“I’m pretty proud of myself actually,” Pepperell admitted. “It was a tough day and a great finish.”
;)
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Pepperell revealed that he had low expectations for the week, and despite the finish, he struggled throughout.
“I haven’t had a lot of shots in these two weeks, I’ve just been looking forward to playing golf to be honest and hoping I’m going to play well,” explained Pepperell. “And this week felt a little bit tough at times, and never more so than today in the middle of the round, but I really hung in there and I’m pleased.”
He then gave a small window into how his achievement felt after struggling to keep his career alive over the past few years.
“It’s hard to put into words really. The game has been hard for a while, and I’ve made it hard on myself,” Pepperell said, starting to choke up. “The game is still very difficult, so I just want to build on what I just did there.”
With tears in his eyes, Pepperell said, “sorry guys” to the interviewer and cameraman, then walked away to soak in his monumental achievement.
You can watch the moment below.
