EDDIE Pepperell made a superb return to European Tour action by claiming a share of the first round lead at the Betfred British Masters.

The Abingdon golfer carded a four-under par round of 67 at Close House in his first tournament since March.

It got him in a group of five players at the top of the leaderboard, although the score has been surpassed this afternoon.

Playing alongside tournament host Lee Westwood and defending champion Marcus Kinhult, the Frilford Heath member made a steady start.

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He opened with five successive pars, before making a move.

Birdies at the sixth, seventh and ninth saw him shoot up the standings.

Another shot was picked up at the 11th to get him into a share of the lead.

The only blemish on his card came with a bogey at the par four 16th, but he immediately bounced back with a birdie at the 17th.