EDDIE Pepperell made a promising start with a two-under-par 69 in the curtailed first round of the Joburg Open in South Africa.

The Abingdon golfer, seeking to make his first European Tour cut of the season, had four birdies and two bogeys on the West Course, one of two being used for the tournament.

This is Pepperell’s first outing since finishing last in the Abu Dhabi Championship last month.

He was placed joint 46th out of more than 200 entries when play was ended early due to waterlogged greens.

Leading the way by two shots is American Paul Peterson, who shot a nine-under-par 62.