Golfers can take a step closer to playing in The Open - with former professional footballer Jimmy Bullard among those hoping to make the cut.

Former Corinthian and Gravesend & Northfleet midfielder Bullard, 46, is due to tee off at Rochester & Cobham Park on Monday.

He was scheduled to take part in regional qualifying at the same venue last year, only to pull out in the build-up to the competition.

Bullard, who played 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.

Bullard’s bid to qualify for the Open comes after he tied for 14th at the Costa Navarino Legends Tour Trophy, an event which ran from Thursday until Saturday in Greece.

He ended on a five-under aggregate - the same score as 2005 US Open champion Michael Campbell - as Bullard outscored the likes of Paul Lawrie and David Drysdale.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the three days,” Bullard told The Bunkered website. “I loved every minute of it.

“I get better every time I go out in competition. The more I put myself in the window, keep playing with a pencil in my hand, that’s important.

“It’s different than playing with your mates and when we film content with GolfLife. Even though this is GolfLife - we filmed it - it’s different.

“It’s trying to swing freer, trust your game and enjoy it.”

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

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, being held at Northern Ireland’s Royal Portrush on July 17-20 this year.

Bullard, affiliated to Woking’s Wisley Golf Club, is due to tee off at 12.09pm, while Bearsted golfer Matt Ford is expected to start at 2.15pm at Rochester & Cobham Park.

Ford qualified for The Open for the first time in 2022.

Those successful at regional qualifying then head to final qualifying which will be held at four venues - including Royal Cinque Ports in Deal - on Tuesday, July 1.