EUROPE’S top celebrity golf circuit would welcome Gareth Bale “with open arms” – allowing him to compete against fellow sporting legends such as Gianfranco Zola, Robbie Fowler, Andrew Straus and Damon Hill.
And Bale will also be offered the chance to play alongside big name golfers – including Ryder Cup captains Colin Montgomerie, Paul McGinley, Ian Woosnam and Thomas Bjorn – to see if he has got what it takes to become a pro himself.
The former Wales captain is believed to be toying with the idea of trying his luck as a full time golfer, following his retirement from football at the age of just 33.
He is being targeted by the organisers of the Legends Tour – the European Tour’s over-50s circuit – who also run a highly popular Celebrity Series alongside their main tournaments.
The Celebrity Series is made up of four events, with the top ten players qualifying for the final – played in either Mauritius or the Seychelles – and competing for a share of £100,000 to donate to the charity of their choice.
It was launched two years ago, with former Westlife singer Keith Duffy edging out Fowler by one shot.
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But former Celtic and Ireland goalkeeper Packie Bonner struck back for the football contingent in 2022, by edging out Formula One star Hill.
Other footballers who have competed include Zola, Roberto Di Matteo, Gordon Strachan, Teddy Sheringham, and Lee Sharpe, so Bale would be in good company if he signs up.
Keith Mitchell, the Legends Tour’s chief marketing officer, commented: “Everyone is aware of Gareth’s incredible passion for golf, and if he wanted to be involved in the Celebrity Series we would welcome him with open arms.
“He has hosted the Wales Open for the past two years so he is well known to us, and obviously there has been a fair amount of speculation that he is keen to see how far he could go in the game.
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“This could prove a great starting point. As well as regular competition against other sports and showbusiness personalities he could also get involved in our Alliance Series events, where amateurs play three rounds with our professionals.
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“We have seen footballers like Julian Dicks and Andriy Shevchenko attempt to forge new careers in golf, only to discover just how difficult it is.
“I know he has played in various pro-ams, but playing alongside golfers like Thomas Bjorn and Paul McGinley in tournament conditions could be a real eye-opener for Gareth, if he is thinking along the same lines.
“We have a list of about 50-60 celebrities that we send invitations to, and we will certainly be making enquiries to see if Gareth is interested in taking part this year.”
The dates for the 2023 Celebrity Series will be announced later this month, with the first event expected to take place in Jersey in June.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
