What a start at the Soudal Open! On Thursday, May 21, 2026, Eddie Pepperell not only carded his fourth career ace on the DP World Tour, but he did so in his 300th start on the Tour. The ball found the hole on the 15th at Rinkven International Golf Club, creating one of those goosebump moments rarely seen on the green.
An Ace with Understatement
Anyone who knows Eddie Pepperell knows he's not one for grand gestures. His reaction to this incredible shot, his fourth hole-in-one ever? Typically dry and understated – no wild celebration, no ecstasy. It's precisely this understatement that defines Pepperell and made the moment even more iconic. A true insider highlight.
The True Leader
Despite this epic moment that electrified the golf world, the headline of the first day actually belonged to someone else: South Africa's Zander Lombard fired an incredible round of 63, securing the lead after the first day. While Pepperell's ace was the talk of the tournament, the scoring king came from the Cape.
Nevertheless, for Eddie Pepperell, it was a day that will go down in the history books. Four aces in 300 starts – that's truly impressive and highlights the Englishman's class. The Soudal Open is already delivering on the first day, with drama, skill, and typical Pepperell charm.
