With the world’s top golfers playing in the WGC-Match Play this week, the other PGA Tour event, the Corales Puntacana Resort & Club Championship is in serious need of name recognition. Which could be the reason for the second consecutive year, they extended a sponsor’s invitation to former Dallas Cowboy quarterback, and current CBS football analyst, Tony Romo.
The 38-year-old is definitely the most known name at a tournament that has a defending champion that most golf fans couldn’t pick out of a lineup. It’s a win-win, the tournament gets a star, and Romo gets to try and make a cut.
It was something he didn’t accomplish in his, and the tournament’s, maiden run last year. Romo came to the inaugural Carales Puntacana Resort & Club Championship and shot 77-82 to finish dead last, missing the cut by 16 strokes.
Oddsmakers have made Romo a 10,000/1 longshot to win the tournament. The next highest odds is Chad Campbell at 150/1. The Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook has also added a proposition bet on what Romo will shoot in the first round. They have put the over/under at 78.5, a stroke worse than his first round in 2018.
Enthusiasm Still There
Despite the skepticism that he can compete with even lower level tour players, Romo is not deterred. There are critics that said giving Romo a spot takes away a spot for a professional that might actually have a chance to win, or at the very least earn some money. Romo is playing as an amateur, and will forfeit any cash he might earn.
“Golf has been a passion of mine throughout my life, giving me another athletic outlet to hone my skills and compete,†said Romo. “The opportunity to compete at the highest levels of golf, the PGA TOUR event, was a dream come true for me. I’m thankful to the Corales Puntacana Resort & Club Championship for inviting me to join them once again this year, and I’m excited at the chance to compete against the best of the best.â€
Grupo Puntacana founder and chairman Frank Rainieri said that he was happy Romo will be in the field for the second straight year.
“It was an honor to have Tony Romo to join us for our inaugural year, and we are delighted that he has accepted our offer to play in the Corales Puntacana Resort & Club Championship again this year,†said Grupo Puntacana Founder and Chairman Frank Rainieri. “Tony continues to grow and achieve at golf just as he rose to greatness during his football career. It’s going to be exciting to watch him play Corales again.â€
Who Can Win?
While Romo’s chances of winning are slim, Sungjae Im and Jhonattan Vegas are the favorites at 14/1. Vegas finished tied for third at the Players Championship and could thrive in a weaker field.
Two international player that could win are South African Charl Schwartzel and Australian Aaron Baddeley. Both golfers are 25/1, though neither has won in more than five years. The duo did have top10-finishes at the recent Puerto Rico Open.
