Pepperell prepared for unpredictable return

Eddie Pepperell is looking forward to returning to competitive action at the 2020 Betfred British Masters hosted by Lee Westwood.

Pepperell won the 2018 edition of this event at Walton Heath and was a runner-up at Hillside last year, but has a point to prove on returning to Close House after missing the cut in 2017.

“Since the reincarnation of the event, this was the only one where I didn't do very well,” he said. “Missed the cut here three years ago. It's nice to be back though.

“It's a shame that we can't get out to see Newcastle, because despite playing poorly three years ago I really enjoyed Newcastle.

“The course is much better than I remember it. It's in great condition, which is nice, and it's a bit more fun to play. Despite some poor memories on the course, I'm quite excited to be back. It's nice.”

As is the case for much of the field, Pepperell has not played competitively since spring due to the coronavirus pandemic.

However, after putting in plenty of hours of practice, the 29-year-old is unsure which end of the scale his performance is likely to be at this week.

“I don't know what to expect,” he added. “I think I'll play very well or pretty bad; don't imagine there will be a lot in the middle. I've spent a lot of time thinking and practising so I feel it will go one of two ways, it doesn't really stay in the middle when I do that.

“Quietly confident, seeing quite a lot of nice stuff. It’s not a place I like to be, I actually prefer to be worried the day before, that tends to make me focus a little more. I think, ironically, given the circumstances and playing with no crowds, it almost might make me doubly intent on focusing hard.

“I know I'm going to have to play well, but also stay immersed in some way in the golf. I think that will be important for me. I'm quietly hopeful but I don't know what to expect too much.”

The newly-formed British Swing will be played behind closed doors and Pepperell accepts that competing without crowds will present its own challenges.

“I enjoy playing in front of people,” he continued. “I especially enjoy playing well in front of people. I think it will be a challenge, that's why I alluded to having real focus on every shot.

“Whether that's on the routine - and it probably will be in my case - and just trying to get heavily immersed in every shot I hit. Also in between shots, trying not to comment on how different it is. Trying to limit any conversation on that with (caddie) Mick (Doran) will probably be wise.”

Pepperell also revealed that he has lost weight through an "extreme" diet consisting mainly of steak, liver and bone broth.

“I'm about ten centimetres thinner around the waist apparently," he added. "I don't know what prompted me to start. I've beefed up in the sense that I've eaten a lot of beef.

“It’s not the best diet for mathematics but it’s good for the waistline. I wanted to improve my health a bit. I had a few issues last year if I'm being honest. I saw some photos, and the way I felt for a 28, 29-year-old, I knew it wasn't right, so I said to my girlfriend - who is generally very healthy and active - do you fancy trying a different diet?

"I found this extreme one, I tend to be quite extreme in that sense so I knew it would probably be the right thing for me to do.

“As it went along, for four months – I’ve adapted it a bit now – but for four months all I ate was steak, liver and bone broth every day. I must say, my body felt amazing for it. I felt just great.

“Strange, I know, and contradictory to what you might read, but as an experiment... and my girlfriend is a nutritionist and was a vegan two years ago so for her it's a complete 180. I must say we've both benefited from it so there's something in it.”