Full Breakdown
Former Pro Athletes, Including Tony Romo, Miss Local Qualifier for 2026 U.S. Open
4/28/2026, 11:24:01 PM
Romo Misses Cut at Ridgewood Country Club Qualifier
Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and CBS analyst Tony Romo attempted to qualify for the 2026 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills by playing the local qualifier at Ridgewood Country Club in Waco, Texas, on April 27. He shot a 9-over 79, 11 strokes behind the 2-under cut needed to advance. Medalist Theo Humphrey posted a 66. Romo’s last final-qualifying appearance was in 2010, and his 2026 bid ends here.
U.S. Open Qualifying Structure and Schedule
The USGA runs a two-stage qualifying process. Over 100 local qualifiers, each 18-hole, one-day event, are scheduled from late April to mid-May at venues nationwide. Successful players move to one of 13 final qualifiers, beginning May 18 at Dallas Athletic Club (Texas) and Walton Heath Golf Club (England). California hosts 14 sites, the most; Florida hosts 13. The April 27 slate included Ridgewood Country Club (Waco, TX) and Parkersburg Country Club (Vienna, WV); later dates add courses in Hawaii, Ohio, New York, Florida, Arizona, and Alaska.
Athlete Participation in Local Qualifiers
Eight former professional athletes entered the first-stage field. In addition to Romo, the list includes MLB pitchers Tyler Clippard and Shigetoshi Hasegawa, MLB outfielder Aaron Hicks, ATP player Mardy Fish, former NFL running back Danny Woodhead, former NFL quarterback Drew Olson, and NHL forward J.T. Miller. Hicks, married to former LPGA pro Cheyenne Woods (Tiger Woods’ niece), will play at Papago Golf Course in Phoenix on May 11.
Official Statements & Responses
The USGA’s published schedule confirms the dates and venues for both qualifying stages. The U.S. Open’s official Twitter account noted that the presence of athletes from multiple sports could be seen as an unfair advantage. Veteran Roger Maltbie, speaking about qualifier Chris Gotterup, said he would judge the player’s talent based on personal observation.
Criticism & Opposition
The tweet’s comment suggests some view the presence of multi-sport athletes as an unfair advantage.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Miller, New York Rangers captain • Mardy Fish, six-time winner on the ATP Tour • Danny Woodhead, former NFL running back • Tyler Clippard, former MLB…” — U.S. Open, Twitter
- “When asked if he thought Chris Gotterup was destined for stardom, the veteran said, he'll be the judge when he sees (and hears) him up close.” — Roger Maltbie
What’s Next
Romo and the other athletes must await the final-qualifying stage; only those who advance from local events will compete at one of the 13 final qualifiers. The 2026 U.S. Open will be held June 15-18 at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club.
