Former Premier League footballers John Terry and Gareth Bale have swapped the football pitch for the golf course, bringing their competitive spirit to a prestigious new arena. The duo are set to headline the upcoming 'Reignwood Icons of Football' tournament, a team event broadcast on Sky Sports that mirrors the format of the Ryder Cup, pitting England against the Rest of the World.
From Football Glory to Golfing Prowess
The connection between football and golf is longstanding, with many stars enjoying the links during their playing careers. This weekend, that tradition continues as Terry and Bale lead their respective teams in a high-profile showdown. Terry, a former Chelsea and England captain, will be joined by iconic strikers like Andy Cole, Robbie Fowler, and Teddy Sheringham on Team England. Meanwhile, Bale teams up with fellow Welsh legends Ryan Giggs and Aaron Ramsey, plus Ballon d'Or winner Andriy Shevchenko, for the World side.
Handicaps Reveal Competitive Edge
Both Terry and Bale are known for their dedication to golf, but their handicaps tell a fascinating story of their skills. Terry, who retired from football in 2018, has shown remarkable improvement, achieving a scratch handicap in 2022 before settling at a current handicap of 4. In contrast, Bale has honed his game to an impressive 0.1 handicap, down from around three or four a few years ago, though he has no plans to turn professional.
Bale recently compared his golfing ability to that of his friend, former British tennis No. 1 Andy Murray, humorously noting that his handicap suggests he holds the edge. "My handicap would suggest me!" Bale remarked, praising Murray's rapid progress and character on the course.
Full Lineup of Footballing Golfers
The event features a roster of ex-footballers with diverse handicaps, showcasing the depth of talent transitioning from the pitch to the greens. Here are the detailed handicaps for all participants:
Team England:
- Jimmy Bullard: 0
- Lee Sharpe: 1
- Teddy Sheringham: 4
- John Terry: 4
- Jermaine Jenas: 4
- Robbie Fowler: 6
- Paul Ince: 6
- Phil Jagielka: 6
- Phil Jones: 9
- Theo Walcott: 9
- Andy Cole: 10
- Joe Hart: 12
Team World:
- Gareth Bale: 0
- Andriy Shevchenko: 1
- Dwight Yorke: 1
- Gabriel Batistuta: 2
- Gianfranco Zola: 4
- Ryan Giggs: 7
- John Arne Riise: 8
- David Ginola: 8
- Ruud Gullit: 8
- Nigel de Jong: 8
- Aaron Ramsey: 10
- Henrik Larsson: 10
This event not only highlights the golfing talents of these football legends but also offers fans a unique glimpse into their post-retirement passions. With Sky Sports providing coverage, viewers can tune in to see if Terry's Team England can triumph over Bale's World side in this thrilling crossover of sports.
