EDDIE Pepperell endured a tough back nine to tumble down the field in the first round at the US Open.

The Abingdon golfer carded an eight-over par 78 at Winged Foot to sit in a share of last place when he finished.

Virtually all the damage was done after the turn, as he came home in 42 with a double bogey and five other dropped shots.

The course near New York has a fearsome reputation, but after dropping a shot at the first, Pepperell equipped himself well.

A brilliant approach to within two feet earned him a birdie at the second hole.

Although he slipped back after three-putting the fifth, he reached the half-way point still one-over for the round.

But the problems began when his tee shot at the par-three tenth hole found a greenside bunker.

It led to a double-bogey five and he then followed it up by taking three putts from four feet to drop another shot at the 11th.

The slide continued after wayward tee shots led to bogeys at the 12th and 14th.

His tough spell ended with further damage at the 16th and 18th.

Justin Thomas was the early leader, carding a five-under par 65.