Ex-Premier League star targets tour card after impressing golf chiefs

There was a surprise name in the field during the latest Legends Tour stop at stunning Costa Navarino last week.

English veteran Peter Baker stormed to the title in Greece in a field populated by other former Ryder Cup players and a couple of major champions.

However, much of the attention on the Mediterranean centred around a former Premier League footballer who more than held his own among these seasoned pros.

Jimmy Bullard, a midfielder who rose to fame for his colourful playing career at the likes of Wigan, Fulham and Hull City, impressed during his first outing on Europe’s premier senior circuit.

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Bullard, a scratch golfer with ambitions of playing on this circuit when he reaches 50, was afforded a special invite to the Costa Navarino Legends Tour Trophy.

The 47-year-old was not competing for prize money with the regular field, but instead played alongside Legends Tour Chairman Ryan Howsam and Chief Executive Phil Harrison in tournament conditions. 

With rounds of 71, 68 and 72 Bullard finished on five-under, level with 2005 US Open champion Michael Campbell and ahead of the 1999 Open winner Paul Lawrie.

Bullard is an integral part of the ‘Golf Life’ YouTube channel, which is shining a light on his efforts to rub shoulders with the pros in the coming years.

His rounds were filmed and are expected to be published on the Golf Life channel.

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“This collaboration is a fantastic way to shine a light on just how good our players are and how competitive the Legends Tour players are still,” said CEO Harrison, a former European Tour pro.

“Jimmy’s a very talented golfer with a real passion for the game, and we hope the experience has inspired him to progress his game with an eye on qualifying in a few years’ time.

“But at the heart of this is our commitment to celebrating the legends who play on our Tour week in, week out, and I hope this content will also help introduce their skill and stories to a much wider audience.”

Bullard, who has also teed it up in Clutch Pro Tour events of late, enjoyed the test up against a stellar cast list of seasoned players.

“This was a proper step up for me, and to play alongside the legends of the game was so special,” he said.

“I’ve always been a big admirer of the Legends Tour, and this has given me a real insight into where I need to be to qualify in a few years’ time.

“The standard is unbelievable, and it’s clear the Legends Tour is only getting stronger.”

Ben Parsons is the Senior Writer at bunkered and is the man to come to for all of the latest news, across both the professional and amateur games. Formerly of The Mirror and Press Association, he is a member at Halifax Golf Club and is a long-suffering fan of both Manchester United and the Wales rugby team.