Anyone familiar with Tony Romo likely knows that he’s more than capable of holding his own on the golf course. As a former NFL quarterback turned golf enthusiast, Romo has gained a reputation as a formidable player. However, as professional golfer Scottie Scheffler recently revealed, Romo also enjoys spicing things up with friendly wagers on the course—though Scheffler has developed a playful strategy that drives the retired QB crazy.
While there are many athletes who excel in sports other than golf, few have reached Romo’s level of talent on the links. His prowess has earned high praise, with none other than Tiger Woods once calling Romo one of the most talented pro athletes he’s ever played golf with.
Woods even compared Romo’s game to that of former MLB pitcher John Smoltz, a fellow golf enthusiast. Romo’s impressive +2.6 handicap is a testament to his skills, as is his participation in four PGA Tour events (though he missed the cut each time) and his three victories at the American Century Championship, a prestigious celebrity golf tournament.
Romo’s home base is Dallas, Texas, which also happens to be where world No. 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler resides. The two have played numerous rounds together, and during a recent episode of SubPar, Scheffler shared some entertaining insights into their betting habits on the course. Specifically, he shed light on how Romo’s competitive nature—and tendency to wager heavily—has led to some hilarious interactions between the two.
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According to Scheffler, Romo loves to take risks during their matches. “Tony always has the most risk in the game, so when he plays good he wins, and when he plays bad, he loses big because he’s got side games with everybody,” Scheffler explained. It’s clear that Romo isn’t afraid to put his money on the line, whether it’s through side bets or larger wagers with multiple people.
But here’s where it gets interesting: Scheffler, who often finds himself on the winning side of these bets, has developed a unique way of settling his golf debts with Romo—and it drives the former quarterback absolutely nuts. Rather than cashing Romo’s checks when he wins, Scheffler holds onto them, waiting for the perfect moment to use them as a bargaining chip when he eventually loses.
“There’s been a couple of times where he’s played, and he’s written checks to guys,” Scheffler said. “I don’t ever go to the bank, so I just keep it in my little pouch, and whenever I gotta pay him back—let’s say he owes me $1,000 and next week I lose $600—I give him back the check and I’m like, ‘Alright, you owe me $400.’”
This tactic of recycling Romo’s checks clearly hits a nerve. “It is so much fun because he gets so mad. He’s like, ‘This is not real money. This isn’t fair,’” Scheffler added with a laugh.
Romo’s frustration is understandable. After all, most people expect a clean exchange of money after winning a bet, whether it’s cash or a newly written check. The idea of receiving a previously issued check that wasn’t cashed feels, as Romo put it, “not real” and somewhat anticlimactic—especially for someone as competitive as Romo, who thrives on the satisfaction of a well-earned victory.
While Scheffler’s approach might seem cheeky, it’s all in good fun. Romo, who has a history of embracing competition—whether on the football field or the golf course—likely appreciates the humor behind it, even if it does get under his skin. However, Romo may want to reconsider using checks as his preferred method of settling golf bets in the future if he wants to avoid Scheffler’s playful antics.
In the end, Scheffler’s lighthearted strategy adds another layer of entertainment to their golf matches, as both men push each other to play their best while sharing some laughs along the way.
Though Romo may be irritated by the “not real” money, his skill on the golf course and competitive spirit have earned him respect from professional golfers like Scheffler—and have solidified his status as one of the most talented non-golf athletes to take up the sport.
For fans of both sports and golf, Scheffler’s story offers a glimpse into the playful, competitive world of friendly wagers between pros and ex-pros.
And while Romo may not always appreciate Scheffler’s clever tactics, one thing is for sure: their rounds together are never boring.
