Qualifying for The Open at Rochester & Cobham Park will not include former Premier League footballer Jimmy Bullard

Golfers can take a step closer to playing in The Open today – but former professional footballer Jimmy Bullard will not be among those hoping to make the cut.

Former Corinthian and Gravesend & Northfleet midfielder Bullard, now 45, was due to play the game at Rochester & Cobham Park but pulled out late last week, believed to be due to injury.

Bullard, who went on to play for Wigan, Fulham and Hull, plays golf to scratch and regularly takes on famous faces as part of his GOLF LIFE YouTube channel.

Others who have previously attempted the switch include former England and Chelsea captain John Terry, who played in the BMW PGA Championship Pro-Am at Wentworth last year, and former Real Madrid and Wales forward Gareth Bale. He lined up alongside the pros at the 2023 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.

Bullard tried to qualify for The Open in 2013 right after retiring from soccer, missing out by four shots at regionals.

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Speaking to The Express, he said: “I was close to qualifying at the Open.

“I’ve caddied for a few players and I know a sub or two can get you in. I have this in my closet.

“When I’m playing and I’m on it, I have that. I know I have. That’s what he’ll need.

“It’s just one round (at regionals), so anyone can shoot the lights and get the color.

“You saw me blush! May.

“That would be our Open, to get to the second (qualifying stage) which is a proper tournament event – that would be amazing.”

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The entire Open process sees a field of around 2,000 hopefuls whittled down until at least 16 gain entry to the actual tournament, which takes place at Royal Troon in Scotland from July 18-21 this year.

One familiar face trying to make the final qualification is Bearsted professional golfer Matt Ford.

He has qualified for The Open for the first time in 2022 and will play at 9.19am at Rochester & Cobham Park.

Others set to be involved include Jordan Godwin, Richard Wallis, Miles Richardson, Ben Quinney and Warren Wood, alongside amateurs Shaun Macklin, Luke Jenkins, Darren Martin, Jack Lee, Robert Osmond, Ben Robins and Damien Turner from the club the home.

They will be joined in Medway by PGA South Region Deputy Professional of the Year Enzo Avery and Faversham duo Daniel Smith and Robin Wells.

The successful ones then go through to the final qualifiers which will be held at four venues – including the Royal Cinque Ports in Deal – on July 2.