Golfers can take a step closer to playing in The Open today - but former professional footballer Jimmy Bullard won’t be among those hoping to make the cut.

Former Corinthian and Gravesend & Northfleet midfielder Bullard, now 45, was due to tee off at Rochester & Cobham Park but pulled out late last week, believed to be due to injury.

Bullard, who went on to play for Wigan, Fulham and Hull, plays golf to a scratch handicap and regularly takes on famous faces as a part of YouTube channel GOLF LIFE.

Others to attempt the switch previously include ex-England and Chelsea captain John Terry, who played in the BMW PGA Championship Pro-Am at Wentworth last year, and former Real Madrid and Wales forward Gareth Bale. He lined up alongside the pros at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am in 2023.

Bullard attempted to qualify for The Open in 2013 immediately after he retired from football, missing out by four shots at the regional stage.

Speaking to The Express, he said: "I've been around some Open qualifiers.

“I've caddied for some players and I know that one or two-under can get you in. I've got that in my locker.

"When I play and I'm on it, I've got that. I know I have. That's all it'll need.

“It's just one round [in the regionals] so anyone can shoot lights out and get the flushes.

“You've seen me get the flushes! It's possible.

“That would be our Open, to get to that second [qualifying stage] which is a proper tour event - that would be amazing.”

The whole Open process sees a field of approximately 2,000 hopefuls whittled down until at least 16 are granted entry to the tournament proper, which is being held at Scotland’s Royal Troon on July 18-21 this year.

One familiar face trying to make it through to Final qualifying is professional Bearsted golfer Matt Ford.

He qualified for The Open for the first time in 2022 and will tee off at 9.19am at Rochester & Cobham Park.

Others due to be involved include Jordan Godwin, Richard Wallis, Miles Richardson, Ben Quinney and Warren Wood, alongside amateurs Shaun Macklin, Luke Jenkins, Darren Martin, Jack Lee, Robert Osmond, Ben Robins and Damien Turner, from the home club.

They will be joined in Medway by Canterbury’s PGA South Region Trainee Assistant Professional-of-the-Year Enzo Avery and the Faversham duo of Daniel Smith and Robin Wells.

Those successful then head to final qualifying which will be held at four venues - including Royal Cinque Ports in Deal - on July 2.