Former Man United star set to swap football for GOLF alongside Lee Westwood in England’s Icons Series team in Thailand

A former Manchester United defender is set to tee off in a golf tournament in Thailand alongside Lee Westwood and a host of former Premier League stars later this year. 

The Icons Series sees Westwood team up with a number of former England players in order to take on Spanish golf star Sergio Garcia and his World team at a competition in Bangkok. 

Garcia will be joined by the likes of Ruud Gullit, Luis Figo, Gianfranco Zola, Gabriel Batistuta, Peter Schmeichel and another ex-United stalwart in Nemanja Vidic. 

Meanwhile Westwood and Jones will have John Terry, Phil Jagielka, Paul Scholes, Joe Hart and Theo Walcott on hand as they hunt down victory, as well as Three Lions legends of the 1990s Paul Ince and Teddy Sheringham.

Ahead of his participation in March, Jones told the Mirror that like many footballers, he has long been a keen golfer, and has spent more time on the fairway in his retirement. 

‘I’ve always been a passionate golfer,’ Jones revealed, having hung up his boots for good in March 2024 after numerous injury concerns. 

The former defender played at Man United for 12 years before hanging up his boots in 2024

Lee Westwood will captain the team of former England stars against Sergio Garcia’s side

‘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.’

The Icons Series’ website tells how the tournament aims to pit two ‘legendary captains’ against one another, backed by 24 of ‘the most iconic’ footballers on the planet.    

Though Jones is backed by some huge names from England’s recent past, there is one player in particular who is looking forward to seeing in action. 

‘I think Theo Walcott. I know he plays golf, but I didn’t realise he was as good as probably what he is. I’ve not played with him before so he might be the surprise package for me, but I’ve heard he’s very good.’

‘I’ve played with Jags [Phil 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. 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.’