EDDIE Pepperell has been drawn alongside former Masters champion Bubba Watson for the opening two rounds at The Open.

Spain's Rafa Cabrera-Bello completes a group where all three are ranked inside the world's top 40.

They are among the early starters at Royal Portrush in Thursday's opening round, teeing off at 7.41am.

The group's second round on Friday starts at 12.42pm.