EDDIE Pepperell has carded a superb opening round of 65 to sit as the clubhouse leader on seven under par at the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters.

The Abingdon golfer shares top-spot with Gregory Havret and Aaron Rai at the European Tour event in Doha.

Pepperell carded eight birdies and one bogey in a near flawless first round.

Starting at the tenth, the Frilford Heath member picked up shots at his first and second holes.

The 27-year-old’s progress was curtailed by a bogey at the 13th, but he went on to birdie three of the next five holes to complete the back nine in a four-under-par 32.

Pepperell continued his fine round with birdies at the second, fifth and seventh to enter the clubhouse as the early leader.