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The biggest discussion point in golf lately has, of course, been Bryson DeChambeau’s significant weight gain.
However, Eddie Pepperell, has decided to go a different way – the exact opposite way, in fact.
Speaking ahead of this week’s British Masters at Close House – the first full European Tour event since the Qatar Masters in March – the Englishman revealed how he has lost around four inches around his waist after committing to an ‘extreme’ diet during lockdown.
“I wanted to improve my health a bit,” explained the 29-year-old. I had a few issues last year if I’m being honest. I saw some photos, and the way I felt for a 28-, 29-year-old, I knew it wasn’t right, so I said to my girlfriend – who is generally very healthy and active – do you fancy trying a different diet?
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“I found this extreme one, I tend to be quite extreme in that sense so I knew it would probably be the right thing for me to do.”
For four months, the only foods that passed Pepperell’s lips were steak, liver and bone broth. “I’ve beefed up in the sense that I’ve eaten a lot of beef,” he quipped. “I’ve taken the opposite route to Bryson.
“I must say, my body felt amazing for it. I felt just great. Strange I know and contradictory to what you might read. My girlfriend is a nutritionist and was a vegan two years ago so for her it’s a complete 180. I must say we’ve both benefited from it so there’s something in it.”
Unlike DeChambeau, Pepperell isn’t expecting any major benefits for his game as a result of his new approach.
“I think there’s potential for a bit more speed,” he said. “I feel a bit slighter, could move a bit faster. I haven’t practised or trained too much for that, so I don’t expect to see it translate to the golf course too much.
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“It hasn’t changed any feels. I’ve lost some weight but, with all due respect to some other golfers you could name who would have lost a lot of weight, I don’t think I’ve lost enough that it has changed too many things.”
Despite taking a different path to DeChambeau, Pepperell admits to being fascinated by the American.
“I think Bryson specifically has added a nice dimension to golf,” he added. “Usually, I would tune in to watch Rory and Tiger and, dare I say it, Bryson is now added to that list.”
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