Robbie Fowler misses out on £8m prize money after almost sinking hole in one

Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler came within inches of landing the biggest-ever golf jackpot when he went agonisingly close to sinking a sensational hole in one that would have earned him a bank-busting $10million (£8m) at the Reignwood Icons of Football tournament in Bangkok.

Fowler, playing for Team England in a match-play competition at the Robinswood Golf Club, struck a spectacular tee-shot at the signature 170-yard 12th hole that had partner Paul Ince and Argentine pair Carlos Tevez, and Gabriel Batistuta roaring with delight.

But the ball rolled wide of the flag by a fraction - leaving one of the Premier League's greatest goalscorers to contemplate how close he had been to making golf history. The prize would have been split between the players, spectators and charities.

“I’m not going to lie, I was bottling it when I hit the shot,” said Fowler. “I think Incy has already spent the money! He was more excited than me. I’m happy, very happy.”

All 24 players at the matchplay tournament, which is pitting the English team against a world team, were given a shot at making a hole in one to claim the £7.95million prize on offer. Team England have a 28-17 lead going into tomorrow’s final round.

Lee Westwood is captaining Team England and the former world No. 1 believes ex-Premier League footballer Jimmy Bullard, who is also playing at the event, is good enough to be a professional golfer.

“ I have got some good players on my team, I’ve played with quite a few of them, ” Westwood told Mirror Sport ahead of the event. “ John Terry, he plays a lot and has a low handicap. Jimmy Bullard is in, he is class.

“I said to Jimmy, I think he is about to turn 50, but if he put his mind to it he could probably turn pro and compete on the Legends Tour for the European seniors. Technically he is really good. He flushes it. I like watching Jimmy hit it, he is a character.”

Bullard previously competed on the EuroPro Tour between 2014 and 2016 and is a regular on the 'Golf Life' YouTube channel which is ran by fellow ex-Soccer AM presenter Peter 'Tubes' Dale and his brother Andrew.