Eddie Pepperell joy at US Open qualification

Eddie Pepperell says he is "delighted" after qualifying for the US Open for the first time in his fledgling career.

Pepperell, 22, finished joint sixth in the PGA Championship at Wentworth at the weekend, ending on eight under and picking up £120,000 in prize money.

The next day, two rounds of 70 at a 36-hole qualifying event at Walton Heath in Surrey secured the Abingdon man a place in June's US Open.

"It's a big stage and I'm delighted," Pepperell told BBC Oxford.

Italy's Matteo Manassero became the youngest winner of the PGA Championship, beating Simon Khan and Marc Warren in a play-off at Wentworth.

But Pepperell was just two shots off the lead after four fine rounds.

"It was a really good day and a great performance over the week," he added. "I was definitely immersed in what I was doing because there were so many people there.

"I was playing quite nicely, making some good decisions. I'm happy, but golf is golf and I set myself high standards and I'm pleased."

Pepperell, who now intends to take two weeks off before the US Open begins on 13 June, added: "Golf under pressure is the hardest thing to do well.

"There are so many complexities to the game, keeping it simple is the key.

"It was really enjoyable, I had great fun. I was nervous but it was great to compete in front of that many people and entertain people."