Why one shot led to former Premier League footballer being banned from historic golf course

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Sunningdale is one of the most iconic golf clubs in the United Kingdom, having hosted a number of prestigious events over the years.

As far as heathland golf goes, Sunningdale is about as perfect as it gets. Founded in 1900, they boast two world-class courses.

The venue has hosted the Women’s British Open and the Senior Open Championship four times each. Meanwhile, the European Open was played there eight times between 1982 and 1992.

So perhaps one former Premier League footballer should not have been surprised when one shot got him in quite a bit of trouble.

Why former Premier League footballer was banned by Sunningdale Golf Club

Jimmy Bullard was an entertainer during his football career. Some of his antics helped make the midfielder one of the most popular players around.

Bullard was called up to the England squad on three occasions without ever being given the chance to make his international debut.

But he is also a fantastic golfer. In fact, he made a push to pursue a professional career, playing on one of Europe’s feeder tours on a number of occasions.

Unfortunately, he landed himself in bother at Sunningdale. As he told snooker legend Stephen Hendry in 2023, he was banned by the club after hitting a tee shot off a beer bottle.

“I had a few drinks and I got carried away. I put a Peroni off the first tee and clipped a ball off it,” he said.

“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.”

How much membership reportedly costs at Sunningdale Golf Club

For many, playing Sunningdale would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It is one of the most pristine golf clubs in the country and offers a thorough test.

Full membership at the golf course costs around £100,000, according to the Daily Mail, while visitors can pay around £450 to play 18 holes.

While golf clubs do have a reputation for going over the top in how they cling to traditions – and, in turn, put a lot of people off – it is not entirely surprising that they took a dim view of Bullard’s antics, even if absolutely no harm was done.