THREE dropped shots on the front nine proved costly as Eddie Pepperell carded a two-over-par 74 at the Trophee Hassan II in Rabat, Morocco.

The majority of the field found it difficult to score in the first round and the Frilford Heath member has work to do in a tie for 94th.

Starting at the tenth, Pepperell birdied the par-five 12th and completed the back nine in a one-under-par 35.

But he dropped a shot at the first, before a double bogey at the par-four sixth saw the 27-year-old slip to two over.

Compatriot Oliver Fisher and Sweden’s Joakim Lagergren lead the way on four under.

Pepperell begins his second round at 1.30pm tomorrow.