Tony Romo has never been shy about chasing a challenge. The former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and current NFL broadcaster has long harbored dreams of teeing it up in the U.S. Open, one of golf's most prestigious events. But this year, that quest hit a major pothole—make that a crater.
Romo entered a local qualifier at Ridgewood Country Club in Waco, Texas, hoping to shoot a score in the high 60s or low 70s. That would have been enough to advance to the next round. Instead, he posted a 79—nine over par—and finished a whopping 11 strokes behind the qualifying mark. Only the top six golfers moved on, and Romo was nowhere close.
It's a tough pill to swallow for a guy who regularly plays alongside stars like Jordan Spieth and Scottie Scheffler. Romo has even beaten Spieth in a round before, a fact Scheffler was happy to rib his friend about. "He's beat Jordan before, so shout-out to Jordan for that," Scheffler said with a grin. "But he hasn't beaten me yet."
Scheffler, the world No. 1, has become a close friend and admirer of Romo. "Just to see how he goes through life as a family man and as someone who is on TV all the time," Scheffler said. "He was the quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, so he has a better understanding than I do of what it's like to be in the spotlight."
Romo, 46, has tried his hand at U.S. Open qualifying several times. As a scratch or better amateur, he's eligible to compete in the local qualifiers each year. But this year's performance was his worst yet, leaving him to wonder what might have been.
Despite the setback, Romo remains a serious golfer. He lives in Texas and frequently plays with pros like Spieth and Scheffler, soaking up advice and giving some in return. Scheffler values Romo's insights on handling fame and balancing family life. "How he handles his sponsorship days or how he handles media or pictures when he goes out to dinner, little stuff like that I feel like I've just learned a lot from him," Scheffler said.
Romo's golf game has earned him respect in the sports world, even if this qualifier didn't go his way. In a Veteran Voice Walks Away: Announcer Retires Over 'Disgraceful' Ryder Cup Crowd, the focus was on fan behavior, but Romo's story is about a different kind of pressure—the pressure of performing when it counts.
For now, Romo will have to wait until next year to try again. The 2026 U.S. Open is set for Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York, from June 18-21. Whether Romo will be in the field remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: he won't stop chasing that dream.
As for Scheffler, he's not about to let Romo off the hook. "I'm not going to say that he can't (beat me), because he's a good golfer," Scheffler said. "We also play a lot of golf together, and in golf you never really know what's going to happen."
In the meantime, Romo can take solace in knowing he's still a legend in Dallas—even if his U.S. Open hopes are on hold. And if he ever does qualify, you can bet the sports world will be watching.
