Phil Jones, the former Manchester United star and current Team England player, is gearing up for the Reignwood Icons of Football tournament, set to take place in Bangkok on March 1-2, 2025. Hosted at the world-class Robinswood Golf Course in Reignwood Park, this event marks the first time the Icons Series will be held in Asia, bringing together 24 iconic footballers in a thrilling golf competition.
Jones shared his excitement about the event, highlighting the uniqueness of the experience:
“This is such a unique event. To play golf at such a high level alongside teammates and old rivals is exciting, but doing it in Thailand, a country known for its passion for sports and incredible fans, makes it even more special.”
Why Footballers Love Golf: When asked why so many footballers take to golf, Jones pointed to the love of competition and the familiar thrill of performing under pressure.
“As footballers, we thrive on competition. Golf brings back that feeling of playing under pressure—whether it’s hitting a crucial shot or playing in front of fans. It’s the same buzz I felt stepping onto the pitch before a big match. That mix of nerves and excitement is what makes it so special,” he said.
Reuniting with Old Teammates and Facing Old Rivals: Team England, captained by Lee Westwood, includes several familiar faces for Jones, such as Paul Scholes and Joe Hart. Jones is eager to reconnect with them on the golf course and has plans to fit in some practice rounds with Hart ahead of the tournament.
“Joe and I have already talked about getting a few rounds in before the event,” Jones revealed. “It’s going to be great to spend time with everyone again and get that team chemistry going, even if it’s on a different kind of grass!”
Jones is also excited about facing Nemanja Vidić, his former Manchester United teammate, who will be representing Team World.
“Vidić was an incredible teammate—tough as nails and one of the hardest defenders to break down. Facing him on the golf course is going to be very different, but I’m sure he’ll still bring that same intensity. It’ll be great to share the competition with him again, even if we’re on opposite sides this time,” Jones reflected.
The team also includes legends like Robbie Fowler, John Terry, and Theo Walcott, while Team World, captained by Sergio Garcia, features other greats like Luís Figo, Ronald de Boer, and Diego Forlán.
“Team World is looking strong. They’ve got some classy players on their side, so we’ll need to bring our A-game to give them a proper challenge,” Jones added.
Competing in Thailand: Jones reflected on his past visits to Thailand during his football career and is thrilled to be returning.
“Thai fans are some of the most passionate and welcoming I’ve ever met. What’s really exciting about this event is that fans will be supporting players from both teams, especially with so many former Manchester United stars involved. It’s going to create such a dynamic and fun atmosphere,” he said.
Despite his enthusiasm, Jones noted that his visit would be brief due to commitments to complete his coaching badges back in England.
“I’d love to stay longer and explore more of Thailand, but I’ve got to get back to focus on my coaching. Hopefully, I’ll get another chance to spend more time here in the future,” he added.
About the Event: The Reignwood Icons of Football promises two action-packed days of drama, featuring matchplay formats like Alternate Shots, Fourballs, and Singles matches. Fans will enjoy unrivaled access to the players, watching every swing, every shot, and every moment of tension up close.
This event not only brings football legends to the golf course but also reinforces Thailand’s position as a world-class sports tourism destination. With a global broadcast reaching over 80 countries and thousands of fans expected onsite, the tournament is set to deliver unforgettable moments for all.
Current Team Lineups
Team England – Captained by Lee Westwood:
- Paul Ince
- Robbie Fowler
- Joe Hart
- Theo Walcott
- Paul Scholes
- John Terry
- Phil Jagielka
- Teddy Sheringham
- Phil Jones
Team World – Captained by Sergio Garcia:
- Dwight Yorke
- Patrik Berger
- Gabriel Batistuta
- Luís Figo
- Peter Schmeichel
- David Ginola
- Ruud Gullit
- Nemanja Vidić
- Gianfranco Zola
- Diego Forlán
- Ronald de Boer
Tickets and Availability
Tickets for the Reignwood Icons of Football event start at 650 THB and are available now at www.icons-series.com. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to watch your favorite football icons compete in a brand-new format.
