EDDIE Pepperell is on a mission to pack one more highlight into the best year of his career after returning to fitness.

The golfer from Abingdon had two injections in his back last week to get him in shape for the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai, which starts tomorrow.

It is the final stop on a 2018 season which has seen Pepperell win his first two tournaments on the European Tour.

They have helped lift the 27-year-old into tenth place on the rankings – which means there is a lot more at stake than on his previous three appearances at the event, which is restricted to the top 60 players and does not have a cut.

Pepperell said: “It’s a really good event, a very relaxed feeling and one of those weeks where you are living the dream.

“I’ve got a bit more on the line than usual with the top ten at stake.

“I have never gone to Dubai other than to fill up the wheelbarrow – you know you are earning money, it’s just how much.

“Part of the reason why I wanted to have the injections and go was to give the top ten a crack.

“There’s a bonus pool for the top ten, which is pretty lucrative.

“If that wasn’t on the line maybe I wouldn’t have gone.

“I think it’s worthwhile, I have worked hard all year to get where I am and it would be a shame to not give it a try.”

Pepperell sits tenth in the standings – which net a bonus of more than £190,000 if he can stay there on Sunday – but Lucas Bjerregaard and Ryder Cup pair Tyrell Hatton and Jon Rahm are lurking just behind him.

Due to the back injury, Pepperell has not played competitively since winning the British Masters last month.

The Frilford Heath golfer admits there is some uncertainty over his physical condition, but if there are no issues he fancies his chances of picking up where he left off.

He said: “In many ways I would expect myself to go out and perform well but I have come off an injury and I’m going to be slightly unsure of my body.

“It’s difficult to know what to expect, but if I can trust my body I don’t see why I can’t shoot some good scores.”