British Open golfer credits stellar final round to hangover
Most American golf fans have never heard of Eddie Pepperell.
But after what he did Sunday in the final round of the British Open, his popularity will surely be on the rise.
In Saturday’s third round, Pepperell was disappointed with his even-par 71, which left him eight shots off the lead.
In golf, it’s important to have a short memory and put mistakes behind. So the 27-year old decided to have a few drinks to dull the pain.
A hungover Eddie Pepperell is hanging around near the top of #TheOpen leaderboard after 67: https://t.co/vHlcyFKgFH pic.twitter.com/1sjXhVrYk6
— Golf Channel (@GolfChannel) July 22, 2018
“I was a little hungover, I won’t lie,” Pepperell told the media after Sunday’s round. “I had too much to drink last night. And I was so frustrated yesterday, that today was really, I wouldn’t say a write-off, but I didn’t feel I was in the golf tournament.”
Except a funny thing happened with his hangover.
He went out and shot a 67, which would leave him tied for sixth, with some guy named Tiger Woods.
So much for shrinking in the moment.
“Whether I shot 69 or 73 today, it wouldn’t have been heartbreaking,” Pepperell said. “But as it happens, I shot 67. So, you know, it’s a funny game.”
Pepperell knew he wouldn’t get into trouble with his coach, since the two of them were enjoying wine together Saturday night.
Not that this is a weekly training method.
“Listen, I wouldn’t always have a drink the night before,” Pepperell said. “Sometimes I have a few drinks. Tiger … didn’t have a drink last night, I bet. Proper athlete.”
I wasn’t THAT drunk last night! I remember having a shower and brushing my teeth so I’d say I was fine. What a great day all round for me and thank you for all the wonderful messages. Phil was awesome 👌🏼 and Francesco is the kind of golfer you dream of becoming. 🏌🏼♂️
— Eddie Pepperell (@PepperellEddie) July 22, 2018
Playing with Phil Mickelson, Pepperell peppered the golf course, with birdies at 3, 5 and 6.
On the back nine, he was even better, with birdies on 14 and 17 and no bogeys.
While many people might say Mickelson would be a dream partner because of his “everyman” attitude, it seems like you could have some fun with this guy.
“I’m a caddie’s dream because I don’t play practice rounds very often. I didn’t play one last week, and I didn’t play one this week,” Pepperell said.
So no practice round, drinking between rounds, finish sixth at Carnoustie, $324,166 in the bank.
Now that’s a week to remember.
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