Ex-Premier League stars fail to qualify for The Open after becoming professional golfers

The Open Championship is set to take place at Royal Birkdale from July 16 to 19, with the event being among the most prestigious in golf, and while there will be some major names competing, including current champion Scottie Scheffler, there will be several familiar faces that missed out on the competition, including a pair of ex-Premier League footballers.

While it may be one of the most prestigious golfing tournaments in the sport, there is a chance for non-professionals to compete if they can qualify for The Open via regional qualifying.

According to Sky Sports, over 2000 golfers attempted to reach this famous competition across 16 venues for the one-day event on Monday, with each 18-hole tournament offering places into final qualifying, which will take place on June 30 across two rounds at four different venues.

Two of those that took part had successful careers in the Premier League but have seemingly turned their attention to golf since their retirement and saw this as an opportunity to compete on the greatest stage.

Jimmy Bullard has a rich history in golf, having played in PGA EuroTour events previously and competed in a Legends Tour event last May.

Three familiar faces.
One Open dream.

George Bryan, Rick Shiels and Jimmy Bullard are among the players now under way in Regional Qualifying.

Follow along on our live blog.https://t.co/K4fwKEbBkQ pic.twitter.com/qijAtaOGh5

— The Open (@TheOpen) June 22, 2026

However, the former Fulham star was unable to find the top-eight finish at Rochester & Cobham Park required to progress, as a one-over 72 left him outside of the top 15 on the leaderboard.

Meanwhile, the former West Bromwich Albion striker Peter Odemwingie, who is now a professional PGA golfer following his retirement, also failed to qualify.

The former Nigerian international struggled during his event at Enville as he scored a 12 over with 84.

Two other athletes that competed at the regional qualifiers were ex-Somerset cricketer Peter Trego, who carded an eight-over 80 at Minchinhampton, and Kevin Esteve, a winter Olympian, who carded a three-over 73 at North Hants.

Former PGA Tour player Wesley Bryan still has a chance to play at the Open this year, as he secured his spot in Final Qualifying with a three-under 68 at Hesketh.

Golf fans may have wanted to see what these ex-professional footballers could have brought to the Open this summer, but they will still be excited to see the stars of the sport turn up at the Royal Birkdale.

Rory McIlroy will be one of the stars appearing at the Open as he attempts to win his second major of the season, while he will be aiming to get revenge on defending champion Scheffler as the American won the trophy at the Northern Irish course in Royal Portrush.