A former Premier League star has been permanently banned from a top golf course after things went too far an evening of drinking.
Once a player’s footballing career is over, they can really relax and let loose, enjoying the fruits of the massive pay checks that they will have earned throughout their time on the pitch.
Some take up a new sport like padel tennis or golf, while others go out partying, getting drunk and making headlines, others do all of the above.
But one former Premier League star took things a bit too far on one occasion, as his drinking habits led to him being banned from one of the most prestigious golf clubs in all of England.
Over 11 years after he retired from professional football, former Wigan, Fulham and Hull City star Jimmy Bullard confessed that his membership at Sunningdale Golf Club in Berkshire was revoked after a night of drinks.
The prestigious gold club requires members to pay a breathtaking £92,000 to become a full member, with an additional annual fee of £9,500, meaning it is one of the top clubs in the country.
However, Bullard been banned from the club after attempting to use a Peroni bottle as the first tee.
“I’m not allowed to go again,” he told snooker legend Stephen Hendry via the Daily Mail.
“I had a few drinks and I got carried away. I put a Peroni off the first tee and clipped a ball off it. It’s obviously not the thing to do so I apologise.
‘If there are any Sunningdale members watching, I do apologise. I really want to come back.”
The Englishman is known for being a bit of a character both on and off the pitch, making him a popular figure amongst fans wherever he went.
Following a career that saw him win promotion to the English top flight with Wigan before spells at both Fulham and Hull, Bullard has enjoyed a hugely successful TV career that saw him host the popular Sky Sports series Soccer AM before it was canceled in 2023.
Since then, the 46-year-old has become a keen golf player and often shares clips of himself playing on his Instagram account.
Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Football, Golf, Premier League, Wigan Athletic, Fulham, Hull City, Sky Sports
Jimmy Bullard, a well-known former Premier League footballer and television personality, has received a permanent ban from Sunningdale Golf Club, an esteemed and expensive golf course. The ban follows an incident involving alcohol consumption at the prestigious club.
Life after professional football often sees players explore new passions. Many pivot to leisurely pursuits such as padel tennis or golf, using their hard-earned wealth to enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle. Some ex-players become known for their vibrant social lives, occasionally making headlines for off-field antics. Bullard, known for his colorful personality, has unfortunately found himself in the latter category regarding his golf club membership.
According to reports, the incident that led to Bullard's ban occurred at the exclusive Sunningdale Golf Club in Berkshire. This golf club, renowned for its exclusivity and demanding £92,000 membership fee plus a £9,500 annual charge, is considered among the UK's most prestigious golfing destinations. After reportedly enjoying drinks at the club, Bullard's behavior resulted in his permanent expulsion.
The specific incident involved Bullard attempting to use a Peroni beer bottle in place of a tee on the first tee box. This act, deemed disrespectful within the golfing etiquette of Sunningdale, led to the revocation of his membership. In a conversation with snooker legend Stephen Hendry, Bullard admitted, "I’m not allowed to go again. I had a few drinks and I got carried away. I put a Peroni off the first tee and clipped a ball off it. It’s obviously not the thing to do so I apologise."
Bullard extended a public apology, saying, "If there are any Sunningdale members watching, I do apologise. I really want to come back."
Throughout his career, Jimmy Bullard was celebrated for his charismatic and entertaining approach to football. He gained promotion to the Premier League with Wigan Athletic and further played for Fulham and Hull City. Post-retirement from professional football over a decade ago, Bullard transitioned into broadcasting, notably hosting the popular Sky Sports show Soccer AM. Currently, at 46 years old, he is a passionate golfer and frequently shares glimpses of his golfing activities on his Instagram profile.
Sunningdale Golf Club Ban: Key Takeaways for Jimmy Bullard
- Permanent Ban: Jimmy Bullard is permanently banned from Sunningdale Golf Club.
- 'Drunken Incident': The ban stems from a 'drunken incident' involving inappropriate behavior on the golf course.
- Peroni Tee: Bullard used a Peroni bottle as a tee, violating golf club etiquette.
- Expensive Membership: Sunningdale Golf Club boasts a £92,000 membership fee plus £9,500 annually, highlighting its exclusivity.
- Public Apology: Bullard has publicly apologized to Sunningdale members and expressed his wish to return.
Despite the ban, Bullard's love for golf remains evident, and fans continue to enjoy his lighthearted engagement with the sport. Will Sunningdale reconsider their decision in the future? Only time will tell.
What are your thoughts on Jimmy Bullard's ban from Sunningdale? Let us know in the comments below!
Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Football, Golf, Premier League, Wigan Athletic, Fulham, Hull City, Sky Sports