EDDIE Pepperell returned to form with a four-under-par 68 at St Andrews in the first round of the Alfred Dunhill Links Golf Championship.

The Abingdon professional, who needs a high finish to secure his European Tour card next year after a run of missed halfway cuts, holed his second shot for an eagle two at the tenth hole.

He was tied for ninth, four shots behind the first round leader Sweden’s Alex Noren, who shot a 64 at Carnoustie, one of three courses used for the tournament.

Pepperell plays Carnoustie tomorrow and Kingsbarns on Saturday, after which the cut will be made for the final round at St Andrews on Sunday.