Posted on Thu, May. 08, 2008

COWBOYS NOTES: Slow start dooms Romo's Open bid

By RICK HERRIN

Star-Telegram Staff Writer

DALLAS -- Looks like football is getting in the way of Tony Romo's golf game.

The Dallas Cowboys' Pro Bowl quarterback shot a 75 Wednesday and failed to make the cut in a U.S. Open local qualifier at The Golf Club of Dallas. Romo was one of 107 golfers vying to advance to a sectional qualifier. The cutoff was 71 (par 70), and Romo lost his bid after struggling on the front nine.

The U.S. Open is June 12-15 at Torrey Pines in San Diego.

Romo said he has been focused on training at Valley Ranch and preparing for the upcoming season, which cut into his practice time on the course.

"I found a good rhythm on the back [nine], but it just took too long to get started," said Romo, who had five cameras and 25 people following him.

"I just haven't been able to practice or prepare. I've got a lot of football stuff. That's part of it."

Romo has a busy golf schedule before training camp. He will compete in a Celebrity Long Drive competition Friday at Trophy Club Country Club. He will play in the Colonial Pro Am on May 21 and is one of three celebrities (along with Justin Timberlake and Matt Lauer) participating in the Golf Digest U.S. Open contest at Torrey Pines on June 6.

Another Garrett

Although it is not yet official, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said Judd Garrett will join the scouting department as the team's assistant director of pro personnel.

The position has been open since Brian Gaine left take a similar position with the Miami Dolphins.

Garrett brings the total number of Garretts in the Cowboys organization to three and continues a family connection to the team.

Garrett is the younger brother of offensive coordinator Jason Garrett and tight ends coach John Garrett. His father, Jim Garrett, was a scout for the Cowboys from 1987-2004.

Judd Garrett comes to Dallas after spending the past two years as tight ends coach with the St. Louis Rams. He was given a leave of absence from St. Louis in February to deal with the death of his wife.

Garrett's wife, Kathy, died Aug. 19 at age 38 after a brief illness. The couple has four children, ages 9 to 15. Judd Garrett, 40, returned to coaching Sept. 4 and remained on the job throughout the season.

Upon announcing Garrett's leave of absence, Rams coach Scott Linehan acknowledged the need for Garrett to spend more time at home and be with his family.

Linehan also said Garrett was free to look for another job.

Staff writer Clarence E. Hill Jr. contributed to this report.

ONLINE: dallascowboys.com