Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler was tantalizingly close to securing a huge golf prize fund, as his attempt at an ace during the Reignwood Icons of Football tournament in Bangkok nearly clinched him a staggering $10 million.
Competing for Team England at the Robinswood Golf Club, Fowler’s remarkable drive on the 170-yard 12th hole was so precise it had teammate Paul Ince, along with Argentine duo Carlos Tevez and Gabriel Batistuta, cheering vociferously. Yet, the ball narrowly missed the flag by inches, prompting Fowler, one of Liverpool’s all-time scoring heroes, to reflect on what might have been a historic moment in golf.
The winnings would have been shared among the players, the crowd, and various charities. “I’m not going to lie, I was bottling it when I hit the shot,” said Fowler. “I think Incy has already spent the money! He was more excited than me. I’m happy, very happy.”
As part of the matchplay event, which sees the English contingent take on an international squad, all 24 competitors had the chance to pocket the £7.95 million (around $10 million) prize by landing a hole in one, yet it remains unclaimed. With a commanding 28-17 advantage going into the final day, Team England, led by captain and former world number one Lee Westwood, seems confident.
Westwood even regards fellow team member and erstwhile Premier League soccer player Jimmy Bullard as having the potential talent to make it as a professional golfer. “I have got some good players on my team, I’ve played with quite a few of them,” Westwood said ahead of the event. “John Terry, he plays a lot and has a low handicap. Jimmy Bullard is in, he is class.
“I said to Jimmy, I think he is about to turn 50, but if he put his mind to it he could probably turn pro and compete on the Legends Tour for the European seniors. Technically he is really good. He flushes it. I like watching Jimmy hit it, he is a character.”
It’s worth noting that Bullard has previously competed on the EuroPro Tour between 2014 and 2016 and is a regular on the ‘Golf Life’ YouTube channel which is run by fellow former Soccer AM presenter Peter ‘Tubes’ Dale and his brother Andrew.
