Jun
08
Cowboys playoff choker Tony Romo should be ashamed not proud of his seven-hour-round 84 at Torrey Pines' U.S. Open setup that set golf back 100 years
A good portion of the follow-along-with-anything mainstream golf media has gone gaga over the Dallas Cowboys’ playoff-choking specialist Tony Romo shooting an 84 at Torrey Pines in supposed U.S. Open conditions. What’s gone largely unnoticed though is that it took Romo nearly seven hours to play his round and record that 84.
Seven hours for a round in which the foursome of Romo, real celebrity (and all-around good golf guy) Justin Timberlake, news reader Matt Lauer and courageous regular guy John Atkinson basically had the course to themselves. Sure, there were NBC TV cameras there and maybe they had to wait a few times for the TV guys, but nearly seven freaking hours to play one round of golf? A round in which Romo had nothing on the line except his seemingly unquenchable desire to make a public spectacle of himself?
And people get on PGA Tour guys for playing slow? At least, they’re playing for a living. Romo’s out there, trying to make sure that everyone knows he once dated - or is still dating (who cares either way) Jessica Simpson, hoping they caught him singing - ok, that’s the wrong word for it - Take Me Out to the Ballgame at Wrigley Field and just genuinely pleading for people to notice him for something besides his great playoff choke jobs.
Tony Romo didn’t do something great by shooting a birdie-less 84. He set golf back nearly 100 years by showing the worst of the game - some self-important gasbag who thinks his every meaningless putt is for the Masters turning golf into an endless crawl. Yeah, great 84. Maybe if you took 16 hours, you could have shaved it down to a 79.
Are you kidding? Almost seven hours for a celebrity golf exhibition.
I could play two and half rounds on that U.S. Open tricked-up Torrey Pines in that same time span Romo spent trying to catch a reflection of himself on one of those TV cameras. Sure I’d shoot a 125, 114, losing about 54 balls in the kikuyu grass rough, but I guarantee you my playing partners would appreciate the pace a lot more than an afternoon with someone like the turtle Romo.
And don’t try to tell me that Justin Timberlake slowed the group down. I’ve seen Timberlake play golf and he doesn’t take himself too seriously. He understands he’s there to entertain people - many who don’t care at all about golf. No, there is only one prima donna in that foursome. And I don’t think it’s the regular guy fighting lung cancer.
Shame on you, Romo. You’re not just the author of two of the NFL’s greatest gag jobs ever - the Bill Buckner muffed extra point hold and the fling-the-ball-everywhere freeze up vs. the Giants. You are the example of all that’s wrong with golf: A guy who’s so self important that he ruins the game for every other group on the course.
29 comments
Comment from: David [Visitor] 
Let's see, Tony Romo a $65,000,000.00 Quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, who is an excellent scratch golfer, who is dating every other man's wet dream Jessica Simpson and then there is Chris Baldwin a skinny, dorky looking, balding, $30,000.00 a year crappy golf writer who couldn't get any unless he paid for it idiot. Dude, STFU!!!
2008-06-08 @ 02:47
Comment from: stupid baldwin [Visitor]
do u have something against tony romo? what does his golf got to do with his playoff losses which u keep bringing up? are u having your menses or something? or are u just having a bad day at work?
2008-06-08 @ 02:47
Comment from: dday [Visitor]
I'm with the other guys. Why the Romo bashing? His 84 is a big deal because he's a QUARTERBACK.
2008-06-08 @ 04:50
Chris Baldwin is actually Jessica's father...he's pissed that Tony won't let him act as agent and is taking it out in digital ink. The big deal for me is that TR was disappointed in his round, that he knows he could have played better, and that he is every bit as good a biathlete (QB-Golfer) as John Brodie, who played quite successfully on the Seniors tour in the 1980s.
2008-06-08 @ 07:35
Comment from: Nick [Visitor]
Chris is just shock jock reporting so people will read his crap filled writing and remember him and his gigantic 5 head. Do you wax that head Chris cause it's shines like the sun?
2008-06-08 @ 09:09
Comment from: Bernard [Visitor]
You need to find a new hobby/job because your writing skills are below standards.
2008-06-08 @ 10:19
Comment from: Brandon [Visitor]
Shut your mouth toolbag. Is this really an issue? Who cares how long it took him. You're an idiot for even considering this as an idea for an article.
If this is really your biggest concern right now, then why don't you do us all a favor and keep it. How about you put down that donut and wheel your dumbass away from your computer and try playin a man's sport like football you poof.
If this is really your biggest concern right now, then why don't you do us all a favor and keep it. How about you put down that donut and wheel your dumbass away from your computer and try playin a man's sport like football you poof.
2008-06-08 @ 12:37
Comment from: Gary Brittain [Visitor]
Lets see Romo was an undrafted Free Agent.
In the one and half years he has started he has cemented himself as one of the top QBs in the game.
Sure he has not had much success as of yet in the playoffs.
I am just waiting for to see a list of all the QBs who have had tremendous playoff success the first year and half of their NFL QB careers.
How successful have you been at what you do the first year and half of your chosen profession?
This blog comes across as a very childish endeavour.
In the one and half years he has started he has cemented himself as one of the top QBs in the game.
Sure he has not had much success as of yet in the playoffs.
I am just waiting for to see a list of all the QBs who have had tremendous playoff success the first year and half of their NFL QB careers.
How successful have you been at what you do the first year and half of your chosen profession?
This blog comes across as a very childish endeavour.
2008-06-08 @ 13:57
Comment from: first and last visit [Visitor]
Great article if your trying to get a job sitting across from the douche bag Skip Bayless on ESPN. Looks like your both cut from the same cloth. Low Lifes! Surprised you didn't include your ideas that Romo is gay, as Bayless did Aikman in his day! Too bad someone pays you for this, because you obviously know nothing about football or golf!
2008-06-09 @ 02:12
Comment from: Sam Schumaker [Visitor]
Chris, great observation and I couldn't agree more. Far too much is being made of that stunt by the mainstream media and it's refreshing to see someone from the golf community call it like it is.
I can't stand seeing the integrity of golf abused by the mainstream sports media like, for instance, when they show some celebrity hitting a "hole in one" but fail to acknowledge it was a worm-burner from the senior tees and struck with a hybrid, or something, from less than 150 yards...sorry, that holds less credibility than a standard eagle in my (and most other scratch golfer's) book and can't be taken seriously. Tony Homo's...errr...Romo's 7 hour 84 at Torrey is no different.
Thanks for keeping it real.
I can't stand seeing the integrity of golf abused by the mainstream sports media like, for instance, when they show some celebrity hitting a "hole in one" but fail to acknowledge it was a worm-burner from the senior tees and struck with a hybrid, or something, from less than 150 yards...sorry, that holds less credibility than a standard eagle in my (and most other scratch golfer's) book and can't be taken seriously. Tony Homo's...errr...Romo's 7 hour 84 at Torrey is no different.
Thanks for keeping it real.
2008-06-09 @ 03:05
Comment from: Sam Gibson [Visitor]
So let me get this str8,Romo shoots an 84 the lowest in his group and HE is responsible for holding the group up. Dude your hate and dislike for Romo is so evident it is ashame. Your jealousy is ridiculous, please stop the hate and learn to love or atleast go out and get your own swagger you player hater.
2008-06-09 @ 08:54
Comment from: TotheHater [Visitor]
Should we comment that this windbag basically waisted our time writing an article bashing Romo. You are worse than the celebrity authors who make all these rumors and his dating life the annoying spectacle it has become. You think Romo wants his dating life to be that public? Give me a break. Golf is a laid back sport and if you have issues standing outside for 3-7 hours than maybe you should pick up basket weaving. Thanks for wasting our time with this piss and moan party you called a blog/article. Maybe next time you can provide us some real news.
2008-06-09 @ 09:00
I enjoy reading your semi-daily manifestation of your pathetic type-A macho man personality. your a dork.
2008-06-09 @ 09:02
Comment from: Chris Rally [Visitor]
You Mr. Baldwin are still an idiot. Whenever someone messes with your poor Tiger Woods you get on the defensive. Just like when you busted on us Hockey fans because we "Have low IQs".
Whether Romo and Timberlake beat the Torrey in 7 hours, or not, they beat it, when Mr. Woods said they couldn't, you got antsy in your pants, and had to post another half-assed, un-intelligent article.
If they had a Webby for worst blogger on the net, you Mr. Baldwin, in your infinite amount of Suck, would fly so far under the radar you wouldn't even get that.
$100 says Chris Baldwin plays the Torrey slower that Romo, and is just pissed because of it.
Whether Romo and Timberlake beat the Torrey in 7 hours, or not, they beat it, when Mr. Woods said they couldn't, you got antsy in your pants, and had to post another half-assed, un-intelligent article.
If they had a Webby for worst blogger on the net, you Mr. Baldwin, in your infinite amount of Suck, would fly so far under the radar you wouldn't even get that.
$100 says Chris Baldwin plays the Torrey slower that Romo, and is just pissed because of it.
2008-06-09 @ 09:05
Comment from: Tim [Visitor]
Like Chris Rally said.. Your posts are full of SUCK.
Nice job Baldwin.
Nice job Baldwin.
2008-06-09 @ 11:16
Comment from: RT [Visitor]
Article should have been titled: "Hack Writer / Blog Nobody Chris Baldwin Should Be Ashamed For Needing 500 Words To Express Envy & Bias Toward Star NFL QB / Talented Scratch Golfer / Jessica Simpson Boy-Toy"
2008-06-09 @ 12:11
Comment from: John [Visitor]
Who cares! Tiger said nobody with a 10 handicap could do it and nobody with a 10 handicap has. Romo shooting 84 at Torrey Pines means about as much to me as me making a par at a mundane 99 yard par 3. YAWN!
2008-06-09 @ 13:40
Comment from: Brian [Visitor]
Chris,
Do you have evidence that the round took 7 hours? I've read that it was 6, which included multiple interviews and features they did during the round.
And how do you attribute the slow play to Romo? Assuming you weren't there, how do you know it wasn't any of the other 3? Your blame of Romo appears to be based on the fact that a)he was the best golfer in the group, and b)you don't like him as a football player.
Also, you call Timberlake a "real" celebrity, leaving open the implication that Romo is not. Again, howso? Whose jersey is #1 selling in the NFL? Look it up.
Finally, he didn't do something great? 84 on that course? 99% of the population couldn't do that. How is that not great for an amateur golfer?
Do you have evidence that the round took 7 hours? I've read that it was 6, which included multiple interviews and features they did during the round.
And how do you attribute the slow play to Romo? Assuming you weren't there, how do you know it wasn't any of the other 3? Your blame of Romo appears to be based on the fact that a)he was the best golfer in the group, and b)you don't like him as a football player.
Also, you call Timberlake a "real" celebrity, leaving open the implication that Romo is not. Again, howso? Whose jersey is #1 selling in the NFL? Look it up.
Finally, he didn't do something great? 84 on that course? 99% of the population couldn't do that. How is that not great for an amateur golfer?
2008-06-09 @ 14:17
Comment from: John [Visitor]
How do guys like this get paid to write about golf when they obviously show no knowledge whatsoever about golf. In a foursome with scores of 84-98-100-110+ how in the world anyone with ANY knowledge of golf could blame the slow round on the guy with the lowest score is beyond me. I take that back-no it's not. It's a blatantly pathetic attempt to attack someone because they are not a fan. Plus, Romo didn't choke in any playoff game. He led the team down the field in both games. The guy know less about football then he does about golf, and we all know how bad that is. This guy should be digging ditches somewhere.
2008-06-09 @ 14:57
Comment from: standard bearer [Visitor]
Chris it's nice to see that you haven't lost your little man-crush on Timberlake.
You've got your facts wrong--The round was closer to 6 hours and 15 minutes and they were being stopped and interviewed every other hole so I have no problem with the length of the round and blaming Romo for any delay is beyond stupid.
I must, however agree that I am not overly impressed with any of the scores carded. Remember also that Tiger said that no average 10 handicapper could break a 100. So let's take Romo for instance who is listed as a 2.2, but must have been at least a 1.4 to be eligible to play in qualifliers for the U.S. Open which he has done a number of times shooting scores on tough qualifier courses as low as 69. His 84 is actually about what he should shoot based on the USGA's rough estimate course rating of 79.7. Matt Lauer and Timberlake are both veteran's of the celebrity golf circut and are surely not camera shy. Carrying 6 handicaps they shot some 21 and 23 shots over their norm. Finally, our lovable contest winner who most closely resembles the golfer Tiger was originally challenging had the kind of day that Tiger predicted he would shooting 41 over 114. So it looks like Tiger was right, Baldwin was wrong and Romo's feat was a little less impressive than most think.
I almost forgot...They did not play the course at full Open length, the rough has another week of growth and the greens were not running anywhere near the expected 14 stimp so congrats to ringer Romo and Timberlake for cracking a 100.
You've got your facts wrong--The round was closer to 6 hours and 15 minutes and they were being stopped and interviewed every other hole so I have no problem with the length of the round and blaming Romo for any delay is beyond stupid.
I must, however agree that I am not overly impressed with any of the scores carded. Remember also that Tiger said that no average 10 handicapper could break a 100. So let's take Romo for instance who is listed as a 2.2, but must have been at least a 1.4 to be eligible to play in qualifliers for the U.S. Open which he has done a number of times shooting scores on tough qualifier courses as low as 69. His 84 is actually about what he should shoot based on the USGA's rough estimate course rating of 79.7. Matt Lauer and Timberlake are both veteran's of the celebrity golf circut and are surely not camera shy. Carrying 6 handicaps they shot some 21 and 23 shots over their norm. Finally, our lovable contest winner who most closely resembles the golfer Tiger was originally challenging had the kind of day that Tiger predicted he would shooting 41 over 114. So it looks like Tiger was right, Baldwin was wrong and Romo's feat was a little less impressive than most think.
I almost forgot...They did not play the course at full Open length, the rough has another week of growth and the greens were not running anywhere near the expected 14 stimp so congrats to ringer Romo and Timberlake for cracking a 100.
2008-06-09 @ 15:21
The 84 doesn't count. He would have been DQ'd for slow play.
I give credit to Romo for conning Jerry Jones out of a mega, Manning-like contract before he's even won a playoff game.
I give credit to Romo for conning Jerry Jones out of a mega, Manning-like contract before he's even won a playoff game.
2008-06-09 @ 16:00
Comment from: Jay [Visitor]
This is quite possibly the worst article I've ever read in my life. Sounds like some little jealous kid who nitpicks at anything he can to feel better about himself.
Tony Romo is a professional football player. He doesn't golf all the time, has been recently interviewed saying he hasn't golfed as much this offseason, so shooting an 84 is quite impressive. You said it yourself, you could evidently play multiple rounds at the course but you'd shoot over 100?
When does speed golfing start up? Is that going to be a new olympic event? Whoever finishes 18 holes the fastest wins?
You sound ridiculously immature, it's quite amazing. I thought this article was a joke at first, but I guess the only joke about this article is the writer.
Tony Romo is a professional football player. He doesn't golf all the time, has been recently interviewed saying he hasn't golfed as much this offseason, so shooting an 84 is quite impressive. You said it yourself, you could evidently play multiple rounds at the course but you'd shoot over 100?
When does speed golfing start up? Is that going to be a new olympic event? Whoever finishes 18 holes the fastest wins?
You sound ridiculously immature, it's quite amazing. I thought this article was a joke at first, but I guess the only joke about this article is the writer.
2008-06-09 @ 20:00
Comment from: Golfer [Visitor]
You Romo fans need to stop being so quick to defend your man and read. The blog is not about the way it too so long to play one
round. It's about WHY it took so long.
Romo was preening around like a peacock
and talking about singing at the baseball
game and making snide remarks about Jessica Simpson to anyone who wanted to hear it.
He needed to be in the clubhouse with a beer holding court not on the green. It was very
inconsiderate of the other players and
believe me it showed on their faces.
round. It's about WHY it took so long.
Romo was preening around like a peacock
and talking about singing at the baseball
game and making snide remarks about Jessica Simpson to anyone who wanted to hear it.
He needed to be in the clubhouse with a beer holding court not on the green. It was very
inconsiderate of the other players and
believe me it showed on their faces.
2008-06-09 @ 20:20
Comment from: Shanks [Visitor]
The whole thing was dumb. The original comment was that a 10-hadicapper could not break 100. So why did they have single digit handicappers involved at all?
2008-06-10 @ 11:10
Comment from: Alex [Visitor]
Tony Romo's gay cousin, Vito Homo, shot an 83 on Torrey Pines with the marine layer coming in.
Alex USMC 1969-73
Alex USMC 1969-73
2008-06-11 @ 20:50
Comment from: Anonymous [Visitor]
Just read your OTHER romo
bashing article... You most spend hours (Since your so SLOW) thinking crap to bash Romo with.. was up?
He bang your girlfriend or something?
What's with all the hate??? I think your just trying to get web hits by including Romo's good name in your article to get people to read your
stupid sh*t.... get a life!!
bashing article... You most spend hours (Since your so SLOW) thinking crap to bash Romo with.. was up?
He bang your girlfriend or something?
What's with all the hate??? I think your just trying to get web hits by including Romo's good name in your article to get people to read your
stupid sh*t.... get a life!!
2008-06-18 @ 17:25
Comment feed for this postComments are closed for this post.
Jason Scott Deegan:
The Accidental Golfer:
Kiel Christianson:
View from Europe:
Recent comments