Tony Romo: 4 Things He Should Be Doing Instead of Golf

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo will attempt to qualify for the U.S. Open golf tournament once again.

Romo hits the links Monday for 18 holes at the Stonebridge Ranch and Country Club in McKinney, TX.

Though he’s certainly a talented golfer, Romo should focus on his actual profession: quarterbacking for America’s team.

Despite the NFL lockout, here are four things Romo should be focusing on instead of golf.

4. Commitment to Teammates

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MINNEAPOLIS - OCTOBER 17: Quarterback Tony Romo #9 of the Dallas Cowboys drops back to pass in the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Mall of America Field on October 17, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

What sort of message does it send to the Cowboys that Tony Romo will be trying to qualify for a golf tournament?

Granted, the U.S. Open doesn’t interfere with any game activity, especially in the midst of the lockout.

However, Romo’s teammates might be wondering why he’s committing himself to golf and not football.

All it takes is for a few players to question his commitment to create rifts in the locker room.

This may not be as much of an issue this year as opposed to last year since there are no regulated NFL activities going on.

3. Recovering from Injury

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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 31: Injured quarterback Tony Romo of the Dallas Cowboys looks on against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Cowboys Stadium on October 31, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Tony Romo missed the final 10 games of last season after suffering a brutal left shoulder injury in a Week 6 loss to the New York Giants.

He is said to be fully recovered and ready to return to action whenever the season starts.

Though golf is far from a contact sport, all the Cowboys need to deal with is Romo somehow injuring himself on the course.

While it’s unlikely anything bad will happen to Romo, you just never know.

Jon Kitna filled in well late last season, so much so that Cowboys tight end Marcellus Bennett would like to see Kitna battle Romo for the starting gig, according to CBSSports.com.

2. Team Workouts

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MINNEAPOLIS - OCTOBER 17: Quarterback Tony Romo #9 of the Dallas Cowboys plays against the Minnesota Vikings at Mall of America Field on October 17, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

On Wednesday, Tony Romo reported to USAToday.com that 40 Cowboys assembled for a player-organized workout.

This was a good sign for the Cowboys, who will look to have their players in the best shape possible when the season starts.

Romo told ESPN: “The guys know how important it is to be in football shape and ready to go when the lockout ends.”

Most likely, the NFL lockout will be worked out, and we will have football this season.

As a result, the team that works the hardest together will see the greatest results. The team whose quarterback is relying on golf to stay in shape may be a few steps behind the curve.

1. Focus on Getting Back to Playoffs

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PEBBLE BEACH, CA - FEBRUARY 11: Professional football player Tony Romo lines up a putt at the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am- Round Two at the Spyglass golf club on February 11, 2011 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

After finishing 6-10 last season, the Cowboys main focus should be on getting back to the playoffs.

That means all the players on their roster should eat, sleep and breathe football until the lockout is lifted, and when it is, their efforts should be doubled or tripled.

Granted, Romo’s absence due to injury was a factor in Dallas missing the playoffs.

However, in a tough NFC East division, the Cowboys aren’t going to cruise into the playoffs like years past.