EDDIE Pepperell has qualified for the US Open after the tournament’s exemption criteria was expanded.

The Abingdon golfer will be able to compete at Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, New York, from September 17-20 after players in the top 70 of the Official World Golf Rankings on March 15 were made eligible.

Pepperell, the world No 65, has already said he is planning to skip August’s US PGA Championship in San Francisco.

The United States Golf Association has had to scrap local and sectional qualifying for the US Open amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Elsewhere, Cara Gainer tied for 18th at the second event of the Rose Ladies Series at Moor Park.

The Oxfordshire golfer carded a four-over-par 76 at the Hertfordshire course.

Gainer tied for 42nd at Brockenhurst Manor in last week’s opening event.