Golf Talk With Greg Holman – #65

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The Phoenix Open is going on this weekend. It’s one of the rowdiest events on the PGA Tour with a stadium-like atmosphere, but the final round is always overshadowed by another stadium event, the Super Bowl.

That got me to thinking about who the best golfers are that play or have played in the NFL.

Two names came immediately to mind: Tony Roma, former Dallas Quarterback and now color commentator for pro football, and former San Francisco Quarterback John Brodie, who was actually on the PGA Tour and had some success on the Senior Tour. I had forgotten about Aaron Rogers and Arizona Hall of Fame Receiver Larry Fitzgerald. I also knew that Tim Tebow had an interest in golf but I didn’t realize he was a good player. It’s been rumored that he can generate a 141 MPH swing speed and he’s a lefty by the way. The average swing speed on the PGA Tour is around 125 MPH. Sam Bradford, star Quarterback for Oklahoma and St. Louis Ram play-caller is a scratch handicap.

Just as pitchers are usually the best golfers in baseball, it appears Quarterbacks excel in golf. Other QB’s on the list include: Big Ben Roethlisberger, the two Mannings, Peyton and Eli. Peyton has teamed with Tiger Woods in Pro-Am events and sports a 4 handicap. His brother Eli, who has always been overshadowed by Peyton, is a good golfer, but at 7, Peyton has to give him three shots. Drew Brees is no stranger to the links. He plays to a 3 handicap but in a US Open challenge at Pebble Beach, he shot 102. Maybe he can’t handle the pressure? I seriously doubt it given his pedigree. Last on the list is Tom Brady. He may be the #1 Quarterback of all time, but he plays to an 8 handicap and he’s never been accused of tampering with golf balls.

So in summary, John Brodie has had the most success in golf among NFL athletes, but Tony Roma is the best golfer from the modern era.

Enjoy the big game and hit ’em straight!