PREMIER LEAGUE cult hero Jimmy Bullard is swapping the pitch for the pitching wedge was he tries to qualify for golf’s oldest major.

Bullard, 46, is going to be taking a swing at qualifying for The Open at Royal Portrush this July.

The retired midfielder spent his career playing for the likes of Wigan Athletic, Hull City and Fulham as he earned a reputation as one of football’s funniest personalities.

But since hanging up his boots in 2012, Bullard has shifted his full focus onto the golf course.

The former Soccer AM host is always out on the course and has managed to whittle his handicap down to play off scratch.

While he is also one of the faces of popular YouTube golf channel ‘Golf Life’, which boasts over 335,000 subscribers.

Bullard did announce plans to try and qualify last year, but was forced to pull out before the first stage even began with a back injury.

Now he’s back fighting fit and has announced his intention to qualify in a video on the Golf Life channel.

He said: “Done my back [last year], played too much golf so I’ve got to manage that.

“But I think that’s just a one off to be honest. I don’t really get injured do I? Quest for The Open, yes. But a quest to make me a better golfer.

“I feel like the game of golf, I’ve got to the ceiling of what I know. All my scores are like level par, one-under, I’ve reached my ceiling.

“How do I get to the next level shooting four, five, six under? Is it available to me with my ability? I don’t know. But I feel I’ve come to the end where I need a coach. I’ve exhausted all the stuff I know.”

Bullard has enlisted the help of coach Hugh Marr to help him on his journey.

The ‘Bulldog’ will be one of many scratch handicappers who will try their luck at qualification into this year’s Open.

The Open process sees a field of approximately 2,000 hopefuls whittled down until at least 16 are granted entry to the tournament proper.

This year’s Open, the 153rd edition of the tournament, will be played at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland from July 17-20.

But regional qualification begins on June 23 at 15 different courses across the UK and Ireland.