Eagle talk to bogey walk: England putt Schmeichel’s hopes to rest

Bob Scott9 hours agoLast Updated: Monday, March 3, 2025

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Eagle talk to bogey walk: England putt Schmeichel’s hopes to rest

Pictures courtesy of the Icons Series

Team World vice-captain Peter Schmeichel said his Team England counterparts “talked a good game” before the tournament teed off, adding that the Reignwood Icons of Football trophy would not be “Coming Home” at the weekend.

Unfortunately, the former Manchester United legend was left in the rough and forced to eat his words as Team England shattered the Dane’s bunkered dreams in an emphatic 72-33 victory to claim the Reignwood Icons of Football championship at Robinswood Golf Club, Reignwood Park. The event, held for the first time in Asia, saw an impressive turnout and global interest.

England’s success was spearheaded by captain Lee Westwood, who praised his players’ ability to switch from nutmeg to nine-iron seamlessly.

“I think a coach or a captain is only as good as the talent he’s got to work with, and this is a talented bunch. They’re all ultra-competitive, and we just had the edge.”

Meanwhile, Team World captain Sergio Garcia graciously accepted defeat, acknowledging Team England’s putting prowess around the greens.

“The English team played great golf but my guys did too, and I’m super proud of them. We tried to make it close today but they were just a little bit too good. They were clutch every single time they needed to be. But I’m still really proud of my team.’

Team World’s Carlos Tevez about to sink a 20 yard putt

The second day started with a thrilling alternate-shot format, drawing a lively crowd of both football and golf fans. A nail-biting series of morning matches saw Team England charging ahead, finishing the session up 39-21.

As the afternoon singles matches unfolded, it became clear there’d be no need for extra innings. Notable performances included Robbie Fowler putting one over Nemanja Vidić and Paul Ince-striking fear into David Ginola with a dominating win. Despite a few sand traps along the way, Team England polished the opposition, sealing their victory with flourish.

The triumphant trophy presentation featured appearances from notable personalities such as former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and Vorapanit Ruairungruang, CEO of Rainwood Group, who expressed delight at the event’s success amidst jokes that spectators weren’t sure if it was footballers playing golf or vice versa.

With plans for bigger swings, including a 6,000-seat stadium and new on-site hotel, next year’s instalment of this unique fusion of sport is set to top the leaderboard of must-see events—a golf outing that’s truly par for the course, and one that promises a few more surprises off the fairway.

Eagle talk to bogey walk: England putt Schmeichel's hopes to rest | News by Thaiger — Teddy Sheringham celebrates Team England’s victory over Team World.

Day 1 results

The morning four-ball session, where pairs from each team competed across ten holes, ended with Team England leading 17-3.

• Terry & Walcott lost to Batistuta & Zola (2-4)

• Hart & Jones lost to Altıntop & Vidić (4-5)

• Ince & Fowler drew with Ginola & Berger (4-4)

• Sharpe & Jagielka defeated Tevez & Forlán (5-1)

• Bullard & Jenas defeated de Jong & de Boer (8-1)

• Scholes & Sheringham defeated Gullit & Figo (7-1)

In the afternoon alternate-shot session, Team World mounted a strong comeback, reducing England’s lead.

• Ince & Fowler lost to Batistuta & Tevez (2-7)

• Hart & Jones lost to Vidić & Forlán (2-4)

• Terry & Bullard defeated Altıntop & de Jong (3-2)

• Walcott & Jenas lost to Zola & Berger (2-6)

• Jagielka & Scholes lost to de Boer & Gullit (2-8)

• Sheringham & Sharpe defeated Figo & Ginola (7-1)

At the end of the day, Team England maintained their lead at 28-21, setting the stage for a closely contested final day.

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Day 2 results

Morning alternate-shot matches

• Teddy Sheringham & Lee Sharpe (England) bt Ruud Gullit & Ronald de Boer (World) 5-3

• Jimmy Bullard & John Terry (England) lost to Gabriel Batistuta & Gianfranco Zola (World) 3-4

• Paul Scholes & Phil Jones (England) bt Luís Figo & Carlos Tevez (World) 5-1

• Theo Walcott & Jermaine Jenas (England) drew with Nemanja Vidić & Diego Forlán (World) 3-3

• Robbie Fowler & Paul Ince (England) bt David Ginola & Patrik Berger (World) 6-0

• Phil Jagielka & Joe Hart (England) bt Nigel de Jong & Hamit Altıntop (World) 5-2

At the end of this session, England led 39-21.

Afternoon singles matches

The singles matches in the afternoon further cemented England’s dominance.

• Teddy Sheringham (England) bt Ronald de Boer (World) 4-1

• Lee Sharpe (England) bt Ruud Gullit (World) 8-3

• Paul Scholes (England) lost to Patrik Berger (World) 2-3

• Theo Walcott (England) lost to Luís Figo (World) 1-6

• Phil Jones (England) bt Carlos Tevez (World) 6-4

• Jermaine Jenas (England) bt Diego Forlán (World) 5-4

• Robbie Fowler (England) bt Nemanja Vidić (World) 6-2

• Paul Ince (England) bt David Ginola (World) 9-1

• Joe Hart (England) lost to Hamit Altıntop (World) 5-6

• Phil Jagielka (England) lost to Nigel de Jong (World) 2-6

• Jimmy Bullard (England) bt Gianfranco Zola (World) 7-3

• John Terry (England) bt Gabriel Batistuta (World) 5-4

With England winning 72-33 overall, they secured victory in the inaugural Asian edition of the event.

Bob Scott

Bob Scott is an experienced writer and editor with a passion for travel. Born and raised in Newcastle, England, he spent more than 10 years in Asia. He worked as a sports writer in the north of England and London before relocating to Asia. Now he resides in Bangkok, Thailand, where he is the Editor-in-Chief for The Thaiger English News. With a vast amount of experience from living and writing abroad, Bob Scott is an expert on all things related to Asian culture and lifestyle.