Cue The Whining: Tony Romo Gets Sponsor’s Exemption For PGA Tour Event

Ex-Cowboy QB Tony Romo is enjoying quite the good life after football–okay playing football. He received rave reviews under intense pressure in his first season as #1 analyst on CBS’ NFL football coverage. And, by taking no more blindside hits in the pocket, Romo’s touchy back is apparently healthy enough to play golf whenever he pleases. Which if you know Romo, is a bunch of rounds especially in the off-season.

He’ll play in this week’s AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am along with Plano native Will Zalatoris.

However, the bigger news is Romo received a sponsor’s exemption to play in the alternate PGA Tour event Corales Puntacana Resort & Club Championship (opposite the WGC Dell Match Play in Austin). Yes, he’s a good stick (call him a scratch player), but as usual some will question his appearance rather than giving an exemption to a struggling pro golfer “trying to make a living.”

Look, these alternate events can use all the buzz they can drum up. Event sponsors know all the best players will be in Austin and realize any pub is good pub for off-Broadway tournaments. Remember Steph Curry’s appearance last August on the Web.com Tour? That event gained front page headlines only because Steph got a sponsor invite. And while Curry missed the cut, he did beat 6 other tour pros.

Romo, who carries a +0.3 handicap at Dallas National Golf Club, has attempted to qualify for the U.S. Open three times. In 2010, Romo advanced to the sectional stage of qualifying for the national championship, but was forced to withdraw due to his practice schedule with the Cowboys. Last year he participated in the prestigious Western Amateur, where he was unable to advance to match play.

“As a professional athlete, the love and thrill of competition never entirely leaves you,” said Romo. “Outside of my family and football, golf is one of my greatest passions. So, playing and competing in a PGA TOUR event is a dream come true. I am grateful to the Corales Puntacana Resort & Club Championship for giving me an incredible opportunity to test my skills against some of the best on TOUR.” 

Now, will Tony make the cut? I’d say highly unlikely as even golf’s lesser known players are incredible sticks. But for at least two rounds, more eyeballs will tune in just to see. And that’s the point, no?