For many golfers, the thought of playing for their position on the DP World Tour over six rounds would fill them with dread.
Eddie Pepperell, as has often been the case, has his own way of thinking.
The popular Englishman arrives at INFINITUM for the DP World Tour Qualifying School Final Stage this week for just the second time in hs career, having successfully navigated the test in 2016.
Since then he has become a two-time DP World Tour winner and one of the game's most recognisable figures but, despite finishing his season with a remarkable 11-week run of events, he could not quite crack the top 114 on the Race to Dubai Rankings in Partnership wth Rolex and guarantee his card for next season.
So he now joins 155 others looking to get into the top 20 and ties and secure his place on Tour for 2025.
The emotions often seen on the 108th hole at the end of the event are testament to the pressure and emotion it can create but Pepperell cut a cool and calm figure as he continued his preparations in Tarragona.
"Four rounds is a marathon, six is an ironman of golf," he said.
"In 2016 I remember quite enjoying it. By the sixth day you're exhausted but you're very much in the flow of what is happening in your game and the tournament and I'm quite looking forward to hopefully being back in that mindset.
"I'm not daunted by that prospect at all. I think the more I get to play in a short run of time, the better it is for me and my game.
"From memory when I was at Q School in 2016 I felt relatively calm. I think if you've been on Tour a long time it's less of a daunting prospect.
"There are a number of guys playing this week who have never played on the DP World Tour so to get out there is a really big thing.
"For me, having been out there for quite a while now, it's less of a thought in my mind. I think that can help me stay calm and be a bit more relaxed and just let the game flow. The key is to just do exactly that, don't get in your own way and I don't anticipate that is going to happen to me this week - I just hope my game is in a good spot."
Playing six rounds in as many days is a unique test in the modern game even when not under pressure, with rest a key factor in optimum performance.
Pepperell does not feel his workload management has been at its best in 2024 but he insists he will listen to his body this week, something he has felt the need to do ever since having a bout of glandular fever.
"I'm just trying to prepare as normal," he said. "I played six holes yesterday, nine holes today and that's probably more than I would play in practice at a normal event. I'm quite accustomed to playing courses blind.
"Don't panic, just listen to your body and what it's telling you and try and sleep well.
"I've always been quite good at that. I go back to when I was younger and I had glandular fever. Ever since having that illness, for years after there were signals that would emanate through my body and help me realise quite quickly to take a bit of rest.
"Sometimes having those types of experiences can help you at least listen to yourself and your body a bit more.
"This year I don't think I've done a good job of that at all, by and large. The schedule has been lots of time off and then lots of time playing golf and that hasn't worked out very well for me on a number of fronts.
"This week and at the event taking the rest is essential, particularly with this tournament. Get ready for the ironman."
