Jones will compete against the likes of Luis Figo and Ruud Gullit (Image: Getty)
Ex- defender Phil Jones is set to don England colours once again, but this time he will be swapping the football pitch for the golf course.
The 32-year-old, who hung up his boots last year due to a series of knee injuries that marred his playing days, is gearing up to join Lee Westwood’s English squad at the Icons Series in Bangkok’s Reignwood Park this March.
Jones will team up with other English football greats and former national side colleagues in an attempt to outplay Sergio Garcia’s international line-up, which boasts stars like Ruud Gullit, Luis Figo, and fellow former Man United player Nemanja Vidic.
“I’ve always been a passionate golfer,” Jones told ahead of the upcoming tournament.
“It’s always something that I’ve loved to do in my spare time when you’re playing football, but obviously, you don’t get enough time to play golf when you’re playing. So, obviously, now I’ve retired, it’s given me a chance to play a little bit more. I love the game.
“I love everything about the game. I love the competitive streak you can have with friends, and I’ve played in a few pro-ams post-career. You always get those little jitters and those little nerves before the start of a game, and I don’t think there’s anything that can relate to that.
“I think standing on the first tee in front of a few people on the first tee box, the nerves start feeling the same and coming back a little bit, which I like. I like those nerves and those feelings you get before a game, and I think golf, especially in an environment like the Icons, will definitely give me that.”
Phil Jones will hit the green with former England teammates (Image: Getty)
Jones has revealed his anticipation to tee off with ex- winger Theo Walcott, whom he considers a dark horse on the golf course. “I think Theo Walcott. I know he plays golf, but I didn’t realise he was as good as probably what he is,” Jones confessed.
“I’ve not played with him before so he might be the surprise package for me, but I’ve heard he’s very good.”
Jones also mentioned other footballers he has hit the links with or plans to soon, including Phil Jagielka and Joe Hart, with a round scheduled for February 4.
He hasn’t had the chance to play with Paul Scholes yet but recalls an impressive bunker shot from last year, suggesting Scholes could be quite the golfer.
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“I’ve played with Jags [Jagielka]. I’ve not played with Joe Hart yet, but I’m due to play on the 4th of February before we come out, so that’ll be interesting,” he added.
“I haven’t played with Scholesy [Paul Scholes], but I remember a shot that he played in the bunker or something last year. I think he’ll be a good player. There’s a good mix in there. I think JT’s [John Terry] in there as well. I know he’s big on his golf and has a really low handicap, so I think we’ve got a good team.”
As the Icons Series approaches, Jones is looking to polish his game, particularly his putting, which he admits is a common struggle among golfers. While confident in his driving ability, it’s around the green where he feels he needs the most improvement.
“Driving the ball. I think driving is probably one of the biggest parts of my game,” he remarked. “Weaknesses, probably in and around the green, on the putting green which probably affects a lot of people.
“I’d like to think that I’m a good ball striker but trust me; there’s a lot to improve on for sure. I’m hoping that I can produce a couple of good performances in Bangkok.”
After clocking up nearly 15 years as a professional footballer, Jones is drawing on his days to bolster England’s chances. In the high-stakes world of sports, every error counts – something Jones knows only too well from both football pitches and golf greens.
He asked: “Well, I think if you make a mistake in football or in golf, how long does that affect you? If you hit a bad tee shot, or it goes out of bounds, or you’re in the wrong position, how does that affect you?
“Are you going to let that bother you throughout the next hole and so on and so on, or are you just going to override it and have a five-second rule in your head that it’s gone, there’s nothing you can do, you can’t affect it now and move on to the next shot.”
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