Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo had a championship within his grasp and lost it once again. Only this time it was in golf. Although the game was different, the player's story remained the same. Going into the American Century Celebrity Golf Championship at Lake Tahoe, Romo was one of the favorites to win. Statistically he was one of the best golfers. He played well for the majority of the tournament, well enough in fact to go into the final round in second place. Yet when the momentum was shifting his way, Romo blew his chance to capitalize on the leader Jack Wagner's mistakes. Once again, when the pressure was on in the waining moments, Tony folded.
Sounds like a metaphor for the recent Dallas Cowboys seasons doesn't it?
I know its only a golf tournament, and a celebrity golf tournament at that, but I was really expecting Tony Romo to finally live up to expectations for once. Tony played a practice round with Michael Jordan, and started the tournament with both Jordan and John Elway. Secretly I was hoping that Tony would pick their brains about what it takes to win a championship - in any sport. The mindset a player needs to come through when the game is on the line. I hoped that he would take that information, and start out on his winning ways by dominating the tournament.
No such luck.
Although Romo's final round heroics got him within two points with three holes to play, he choked when the pressure was too great Missing a make-able birdie putt on 17 increased Wagner's lead to four. Romo still had a chance to win after Wagner hit it in the water on 18, but squandered a great tee shot by hitting his shot in the water as well.
Tony Romo has received an abundance of criticism for his lack of killer instinct, so much so that many people believe that the Cowboys will never win the Superbowl with Tony Romo behind center. I personally still don't believe that, but this tournament is just one more example of Romo's lack of a winning mentality, and it is still troubling. When the season starts, if the Cowboys play to their potential, there is no doubt in my mind that they will be a playoff bound team. But is Romo ready to take them to the next level, or will his attempt fall short again?
Bob Gonzales is a longtime Dallas resident and a rabid Dallas Cowboys fan. He is also a horrible, horrible golfer.
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