Jimmy Bullard Banned from Sunningdale Golf Tournament After Beer Bottle Tee Shot
Former Premier League footballer Jimmy Bullard has been barred from participating in the prestigious Sunningdale Foursomes tournament after a controversial incident involving a beer bottle. The incident prevented him from competing alongside tennis star Sir Andy Murray and Real Madrid legend Gareth Bale.
The Controversial Incident
Bullard, 47, who retired from professional football with MK Dons in 2012, has become an avid golfer in recent years. He regularly shares his golfing experiences on the ‘Golf Life’ YouTube channel. However, his passion for the sport led to a breach of etiquette at the Sunningdale Golf Club.
According to Bullard, he used an empty Peroni beer bottle as a makeshift tee at the first hole. “I’m not allowed to proceed 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,” he admitted during an appearance on snooker icon Stephen Hendry’s ‘Cue Tips’ YouTube channel.
As a result of this action, Bullard has been banned from returning to the venue for pro-am tournaments and has publicly apologized for his behavior.
Sunningdale Foursomes 2026
The Sunningdale Foursomes, a highly regarded amateur golf competition, began on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 and will continue through Friday, March 13, 2026, with semi-finals and a final match. The tournament is being held across the Classic and Novel courses at Sunningdale Golf Club.
Sir Andy Murray is partnering with Eddie Pepperell, a two-time European Tour winner, while Gareth Bale is teaming up with Matthew Wylie. The tournament, which dates back to 1934, attracts a high level of competition and prestige.
Bullard’s Appeal
Despite the ban, Bullard has expressed a desire to have his club membership reinstated. “If there are any Sunningdale members watching, I do apologise,” he said. “I really wish to come back.”
Murray and Bale’s Golfing Pursuits
Both Andy Murray and Gareth Bale are known for their enthusiasm for golf. Murray has been actively improving his game since retiring from professional tennis in 2024, and Bale, who retired from football in 2023, has a handicap of 0.1.