JANESVILLE — Tony Romo doesn’t need the publicity.
The Burlington native gets plenty of that as the quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys. And dating Jessica Simpson—the two were spotted in a Janesville restaurant Friday night—keeps the paparazzi busy, as well.
No, Romo played in Friday’s Ray Fischer State Medal Play Championship at Riverside Golf Course for one simple reason. He’s good.
Romo fired a three-under par 69 in the first round and is four shots off the lead. The $60-million man was as long off the tee as anyone in the 172-man field, and as down-to-earth as could be with the numerous autograph seekers that hounded him after his round.
“We just got done with football last week (mandatory training camp), so I wanted to come back to Wisconsin and see my family,” Romo said. “When my dad (Ramiro) said he was playing in this tournament, I said I’d play along with him.
“Part of the reason I like to get out in public and play golf is because people understand the game and the etiquette. And that was the case today. That makes it much more enjoyable.”
Romo started on the back nine and shot an even-par 36. He rallied for a 33 on the front thanks to birdies on three of the last four holes. With 18 holes today followed by cuts that will shrink the field to the top 70 plus ties, Romo is concerned with a weekend that will likely include 56 holes of golf.
“I don’t remember the last time I played 36 holes of golf in one day,” Romo said of Sunday’s format.
“I may call it a day after the first 18,” Romo said in jest. “It will be fun if you’re in contention. If you’re not, it will be a mental grind.”
Romo’s mental toughness might prove important if he stays in the hunt. Hole No. 16 at Riverside is very low on the stress level compared to the wrath of former Dallas coach Bill Parcells or a legion of Cowboy fans who don’t accept losing.
“I enjoy putting myself in situations where there’s pressure on me to perform,” Romo said. “And the more times you can get that feeling of being able to perform at your highest level, it gives you a better chance to perform at the highest level in football.
“I was a terrible golfer when I was younger. I’ve only gotten a little better the last couple of years because my putting has gotten better.”
The 2008 Ray Fischer champion may come down to a pressure-packed Sunday afternoon. That’s a situation Tony Romo is well equipped for.