EDDIE Pepperell says Danny Willett’s success in the US Masters on Sunday has given him a boost ahead of a return to European Tour action tomorrow, writes David Pritchard.

In a thrilling final round at Augusta, the Yorkshireman capitalised on a collapse from Jordan Spieth to become the first English winner of a green jacket for 20 years.

Pepperell is three years younger, but the pair share the same coach in Mike Walker.

Willett also did not win on the European Tour until his fourth full season, which is the point the Abingdon golfer has now reached.

Pepperell has drawn confidence from his compatriot’s achievements.

He said: “Danny isn’t much older than me and was at a fairly similar stage in his career a couple of years ago to where I am now.

“Seeing him do what he’s done definitely gives me and all of us other guys belief that it’s possible.”

The 25-year-old, from Frilford Heath, tees up at the Spanish Open tomorrow after an eight-week break from competition.

Pepperell opted not to play in Australia, Thailand and India in the meantime and will not travel to China for two tournaments later this month after deciding to focus on events closer to home, where his best results have come in the past couple of years.

With some of the biggest tournaments of the season just around the corner, Pepperell is hoping to hit the ground running.

He said: “Valderrama is a course I really like.

“I want to do well in that one but it is my first outing for a few weeks, so things could be a little sticky.

“Morocco (on May 5) isn’t the biggest but it’s a nice event and then it’s on to Ireland and Wentworth, which are two big events where it would be great to do well in.”

Pepperell has used the time away from the tour to improve his fitness.

However, a troublesome back problem is causing discomfort when he hits his driver.

He said: “I’m trying to do everything I can to make sure it isn’t anything particularly serious.

“Back injuries in golf are common and I’m not expecting it to be 100 per cent perfect for the rest of my career.

“It’s not all that new, it’s just slightly more serious than it was.

“Truth be told I think while physically I had done a lot of things to improve my body, a couple of things were not strong enough.

“I’m not at all worried.

“I’m stronger and I think physically I will be in a better position so that when I do get things sorted I will be better than I ever have been.”