Tony Romo teed it up for the second consecutive year at the Corales Puntacana Resort and Club Championship in the Dominican Republic last week, and for the second consecutive year, Romo missed the cut by a wide margin.
Clearly getting in the field as a sponsor’s exemption was a publicity stunt that has obviously worked in Corales’ favor as the opposite-field event made headlines around the golf world, but it was a simple question and answer to the USGA regarding Romo’s amateur status that could result in the most embarrassing part of the weekend for the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback.
Romo, who by no means is a slouch on the golf course, had his amateur status questioned in light of his endorsement deal he has with Skechers golf shoes.
In light of the Apple Watch commercial that featured celebrated female amateur golfer Lucy Li, the question as to why she got a slap on the wrist for her involvement versus no reprimand for Romo clearly acting as the pitchman for the shoe was a confusing one.
GolfChannel.com’s Ryan Lavner posed the same question to USGA senior director of rules and amateur status Craig Winter, and his response, either advertently or inadvertently was harsh towards Romo’s quest to make it on the PGA Tour.
“While Romo is an amateur golfer, it appears his football celebrity motivated this advertisement,” Winter said. “Additionally, the Rules of Amateur Status prohibit an amateur golfer from being part of such promotions only when he or she has ‘golf skill.’ In the case of Tony Romo, while he plays at a high level, he is not considered to have ‘golf skill’ as they are defined in the rules.”
Harsh.
