By Matt Hughes
Kevin Pietersen has withdrawn his application to join the exclusive Sunningdale Golf Club in England after members threatened a veto.
The former England cricketer lives close to Berkshire course – which charges £92,000 (about $180,000) to join – with wife Jess Taylor, the former singer in pop group Liberty X.
Access denied: Kevin Pietersen won’t be joining Sunningdale Golf Club.Credit: Reuters
Pietersen is an accomplished golfer who plays off a two handicap, and friends of the 44-year-old recently asked if he could join Sunningdale. The London Telegraph has learnt his application was dismissed before Pietersen could be formally proposed, however, after four existing members indicated they could object in a formal ballot.
Under Sunningdale’s secret application process, if one member votes “no” to a new golfer joining the club, they are rejected.
Pietersen’s former England teammate and one-time rival, Sir Andrew Strauss, is a member of Sunningdale, although he is not thought to have been among the objectors. The pair fell out spectacularly during a Test series against South Africa in 2012 after Pietersen criticised England teammates in text messages sent to opposition players, which led to him being dropped from the side by Strauss.
Two years later, Strauss was embarrassed when Fox Sports in Australia aired footage of him describing Pietersen as a “complete c---” during an advertising break when he was broadcasting at Lord’s. The feuding duo has since made up, however, and they have played golf together and worked alongside each other for Sky Sports.
A source involved in the nomination procedure told the Telegraph: “All it takes is one difficult member to stop the process, so before a vote new members are verbally discussed by existing members. The formal process wasn’t even started because it was made clear there would be objections.
“Kevin was effectively blackballed – I’ve no idea why. He’s a good golfer and wouldn’t have caused any problems. I think he’s a member of Wentworth, so he will have to make do with playing there for now.”
Pietersen is understood to be considering making another application at a later date.
A source close to Pietersen said: “Kevin has not been blocked by Sunningdale. He withdrew his membership application. He intends trying again next year, or the year after. It is a long and laborious process.
“[He] would like to be playing at Sunningdale before long. He lives nearby and has many friends there.”
Sunningdale’s membership list is a closely guarded secret. Pop star Harry Styles, said to be a 13 or 14 handicapper, actor Hugh Grant, former tennis player Tim Henman and Gary Lineker are all rumoured to be members, or have been members. Prince Andrew, actor Samuel L. Jackson and NBA star Michael Jordan have all played at the distinguished course.
The club boasts two 18-hole golf courses and charges £92,000 for a full membership, with an annual subscription fee of £9500. Members rarely speak about the club, founded in 1900, and phones are banned on the course.
Sunningdale Golf Club and Pietersen have been approached for comment.
The Telegraph, London
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