Tony Romo Disqualified From Golf Tournament for Scorecard Error Amidst CBS Departure
The former Cowboys quarterback's attempt to turn pro was marred by a scoring infraction, occurring just as he announced his exit from CBS Sports.
Tony Romo, the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and ex-CBS Sports analyst, was disqualified from a professional golf qualifying tournament in Oklahoma last week due to a scorecard error. The disqualification came as Romo announced his departure from CBS Sports.
Romo finished three shots shy of a qualification spot in the tournament. However, it was later revealed that he was disqualified after the event concluded for an error made during his third and final round. According to Golf.com, one of Romo's playing partners noted a score of five (bogey) for the 16th hole on Romo's scorecard. Romo, however, reportedly indicated it was a four and signed for that score. A local professional observing the group noticed the discrepancy when checking Romo's scorecard online later that evening.
The observer recalled Romo three-putting for bogeys on both the 16th and 17th holes. While Romo's playing partner had recorded a five and a five, the observer believed Romo had signed for a four and a five. Under PGA Tour-sanctioned event rules, signing for a score lower than actually achieved and not correcting it within 15 minutes results in disqualification.
Rob Keller, a PGA Tour rules official, suggested that Romo's frustration with slow play warnings and his missed qualification may have contributed to him not reviewing his playing partner's card before signing. Romo was contacted and acknowledged responsibility for the incorrect card. Although the error did not affect the tournament's outcome, it led to his disqualification.
This incident follows a difficult period for Romo, including an OWI arrest in Milwaukee on July 23. Romo, who had signed a significant contract with CBS Sports in 2020, announced his departure from the network last Friday. He had been on indefinite leave from CBS since his arrest.
Romo stated that he is proud of his nine years with CBS Sports and is taking time to focus on his health and family before pursuing his next opportunity. Sources close to Romo and CBS Sports have indicated that he reached a financial settlement with the network before the announcement of his departure, reportedly receiving a substantial portion of the remaining amount on his contract.
Following his OWI arrest, Romo entered a plea deal in Wisconsin in September. The arrest occurred after he was stopped in his Jeep near Milwaukee. Humiliating bodycam footage of his sobriety tests was released shortly after. As part of the plea deal, Romo faces mandatory jail time if convicted of another OWI-related offense within the next 10 years. He was also fined, had his driver's license revoked for six months, and agreed to install an ignition interlock device on his vehicles.
Romo has publicly discussed his struggles with pain medication and alcohol dependency, taking accountability for the incident. He stated that he is leaning on lessons learned from his football career, emphasizing honesty, resilience, and the determination to improve when facing personal failures.