Tony Romo cutting back on golf: coincidence or commitment?
Tony Romo is arguably the best golfer in the NFL. He plays in the big Pebble Beach Pro-Am every year and almost always impresses viewers with the way he is able to hold his own against some of the game’s best. That type of stroke requires a lot of practice to perfect, but Romo is spending less time doing that this offseason.
According to ESPNDallas.com’s Todd Archer, Romo has decided to pass on playing in several tournaments he typically takes part in around this time of year, including the Azalea Invitation in South Carolina and the Adams Pro/Scratch, which he has won in the past. He will also not attempt to qualify for the Byron Nelson Championship or the US Open.
Coincidence? Maybe not. Romo turned 33 last month and recently inked a six-year, $108 million extension with the Dallas Cowboys. The time for him to shed the choker label is now, and owner Jerry Jones did not hold back last weekend when he said he expects Romo to put in as much time preparing for games this season as guys like Peyton Manning do.
Players have a right to spend time with their families and enjoy a little bit of leisure during the offseason, but the more time Romo spends working on his golf game the less he can spend in the film room or lifting weights. Based on the recent comments made by some of his teammates, it’s obvious that the pressure is starting to build. Romo is already viewed as someone who is incapable of winning the big game. Focusing on golf during the offseason would only increase the criticism. Whether skipping the aforementioned tournaments is a football decision or not, it can only help Romo’s image.
UPDATE: Someone told us over Twitter that Romo tweaked his back playing at Pebble Beach, which could explain things.
