Yahoo News Eddie Pepperell credits mum Marian for role in British Masters triumph
British Masters champion Eddie Pepperell has credited his mum for her helping hand in claiming his second win on the European Tour.
Having claimed his maiden victory on the Tour in Qatar earlier this year, Pepperell sealed a wire-to-wire win at Walton Heath.
The 27-year-old’s overnight three-shot lead was cut to just one before he began the back nine with an eagle two from 122 yards and, while bogeys on the 15th and 16th left the door open for playing partner Alexander Bjork, Pepperell held the Swede off to win by a shot.
"The credit for the eagle goes to my mum Marian because she gave me some mittens as I was walking off the 10th tee," Pepperell joked. "It was such a tough day in the conditions, I didn't swing it well from the get-go and it was an absolute grind.
"I did not sleep great the last two nights. My mind was very active, especially with all the stuff after the hole-in-one, the social media.
"It was hard to keep my mind on the golf because I was leading all week, I didn't do much practice and I played terrible leading up to the event; Wednesday was the worst I've played for ages.
"I didn't know how I felt about my game, I had to grind it out at times and I guess to have won like that is really satisfying. I said on Saturday I was not sure how I felt being in the lead in this tournament compared to any other but now I've won it does feel very special. It's brilliant."
The win takes Pepperell up to 33 in the world rankings and all but secures a debut at The Masters in April, as well as qualification for further high profile events Stateside.
"It's always been a dream to play in the Masters and it's been my caddie Mick's goal to get me into the top 50," Pepperell added. "It also shows I'm not a one-hit wonder and I'm actually really pleased for my mum and dad to see it because they weren't in Qatar. For them to be here is pretty awesome.
"I'm interested to see how different Augusta is to what it appears on TV and there's going to be some nice events for me to look forward to next year. It's going to be a great opportunity for me to go to America and play a few more majors and WGCs (World Golf Championship events) obviously.
"I haven't got my head around that, but I intend to."
Fellow Englishman Matt Wallace looked one of the more likely challengers but a three over final round meant he had to share a tie for 16th. However, the 28-year-old – who had a share of the lead with Pepperell and Tommy Fleetwood after the opening round, revealed he had played on despite having lost his Grandmother on Thursday.
In a post on Twitter he wrote: “Had some sad news on Thursday with my Grandma passing, so will be working harder than ever to finish the year strong for her. RIP Gran. X.”
Host Justin Rose thanked Wallace for playing despite the news.
