Tony Romo cards opening round 70 at Safeway Open, could miss CBS NFL duties

Tony Romo has been attempting for a couple of years now to make a solid move in a PGA Tour event. Whether that stems from a desire to participate in PGA Tour events as a professional, or if he’s just scratching an itch as an athlete remains to be seen in my opinion. Even if Romo says he doesn’t want to be a professional golfer, should he somehow win a PGA Tour event, I can’t see any way that he doesn’t immediately give it a full-time go.

The issue this week at the Safeway Open is that if Romo, who carded an opening round 70 and – at time of publication – sits at two-under and sits at T27, well inside what would be the cut, is what happens to his Sunday NFL responsibilities at CBS?

CBS has a backup plan in place and ready to go. Should Romo make the cut, Boomer Esiason will take over the commentary in Chicago this week.

What gets me most is how many people really have doubted Romo’s abilities. I think they’re underestimating that with golf, anything can happen. We just saw Tiger Woods win a Masters a few years after being bed-ridden with back problems.

ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN!

Sure, Romo’s past results don’t exactly scream, “Hey guys, I’m here to really compete,” but Phil Mickelson, who has won quite a few majors and does play professional golf for a living sits at three-over through 12.

ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN!

So, if you’re a golfer or golf media member, you should know that a mere two PGA Tour appearances does not give a real reflection of a player’s game. Just like with the NFL, if a team starts 0-2, they can still win 11 games and make the playoffs and almost make the Super Bowl (2017 Saints).

ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN!

Just give the guy a chance. At least this is an early season event and there are plenty of young guys already in the field so it’s not like he’s taking some young up and comer’s spot like he would be in a mid-season event.

Romo making the cut this week, would be a very impressive accomplishment.

Author: Michael Shamburger

Michael is the founder and Editor in Chief of The Stiff Shaft. He's spent 15+ years covering golf for TheBigLead, Golfweek, and Golf Channel. Don't follow the hive-think mentality. Do your own research and form your own opinions.