2009 RANKING Top Athlete Golfers

September 14, 2009

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Name: Tony RomoHandicap: plus-3.3GD rank: 1Comments: Cowboys QB won two tournaments and finished second in another during the off-season.*More on this player:Swing Sequence: Tony Romo['08 GD U.S. Open Challenge: Three for the Show](/magazine/usopencontest/2008/06/usopencelebs)Photos: Romo at the '08 Golf Digest U.S. Open Challenge*Name: Tony RomoHandicap: plus-3.3GD rank: 1Comments: Cowboys QB won two tournaments and finished second in another during the off-season.*More on this player:Swing Sequence: Tony Romo['08 GD U.S. Open Challenge: Three for the Show](/magazine/usopencontest/2008/06/usopencelebs)Photos: Romo at the '08 Golf Digest U.S. Open Challenge*

Name: Mike SchmidtHandicap: plus-1.1GD rank: 4Comments: Phillies Hall of Famer uses deep-sea fishing, not golf, to raise money for cystic-fibrosis research.Name: Mike SchmidtHandicap: plus-1.1GD rank: 4Comments: Phillies Hall of Famer uses deep-sea fishing, not golf, to raise money for cystic-fibrosis research.

Name: Jerry RiceHandicap: plus-0.7GD rank: 5Comments: Plays a lot of golf in Northern California, often at Sharon Heights G.&C.C.Name: Jerry RiceHandicap: plus-0.7GD rank: 5Comments: Plays a lot of golf in Northern California, often at Sharon Heights G.&C.C.

Name: Brett HullHandicap: plus-0.0GD rank: T-6Comments: Now a VP with the Dallas Stars after five NHL teams and two Stanley Cups.Name: Brett HullHandicap: plus-0.0GD rank: T-6Comments: Now a VP with the Dallas Stars after five NHL teams and two Stanley Cups.

Name: Pete Sampras__Handicap:__0.5GD rank: 10Comments: Bel-Air and Bighorn member hasn't posted a score in two years, but pros say his Index is accurate.Name: Pete Sampras__Handicap:__0.5GD rank: 10Comments: Bel-Air and Bighorn member hasn't posted a score in two years, but pros say his Index is accurate.

Name: Jamie LangenbrunnerHandicap: 0.8GD rank: T-12Comments: Devils captain set personal scoring records in '09; belongs to golf clubs in New Jersey and Minnesota.Name: Jamie LangenbrunnerHandicap: 0.8GD rank: T-12Comments: Devils captain set personal scoring records in '09; belongs to golf clubs in New Jersey and Minnesota.

Name: John ElwayHandicap: 0.9GD rank: 14Comments: Broncos No. 7 still No. 1 in Denver.More on this player: My Game: John ElwayName: John ElwayHandicap: 0.9GD rank: 14Comments: Broncos No. 7 still No. 1 in Denver.More on this player: My Game: John Elway

Name: Brett FavreHandicap: 1GD rank: 15Comments: Eventually he'll retire for good. Until then, playing to a 1-handicap is a challenge.Name: Brett FavreHandicap: 1GD rank: 15Comments: Eventually he'll retire for good. Until then, playing to a 1-handicap is a challenge.

Name: Ryan LongwellHandicap: 1.3GD rank: T-17Comments: Vikings kicker has played three Canadian Tour events; plays frequently at Isleworth.Name: Ryan LongwellHandicap: 1.3GD rank: T-17Comments: Vikings kicker has played three Canadian Tour events; plays frequently at Isleworth.

Name: Dan MarinoHandicap: 1.9GD rank: T-20Comments: Index is lowest ever.Name: Dan MarinoHandicap: 1.9GD rank: T-20Comments: Index is lowest ever.

Name: Ivan LendlHandicap: 2GD rank: T-22Comments: Not even the best golfer in his family, with three potential pro daughters.Name: Ivan LendlHandicap: 2GD rank: T-22Comments: Not even the best golfer in his family, with three potential pro daughters.

Name: Clyde DrexlerHandicap: 2.7GD rank: 31Comments: NBA Hall of Famer plays at Lochinvar and Royal Oaks in Houston.Name: Clyde DrexlerHandicap: 2.7GD rank: 31Comments: NBA Hall of Famer plays at Lochinvar and Royal Oaks in Houston.

Name: Drew BreesHandicap: 3GD rank: T-35Comments: Saints QB hasn't updated handicap since 2008 but says he's better than his 4.8.Name: Drew BreesHandicap: 3GD rank: T-35Comments: Saints QB hasn't updated handicap since 2008 but says he's better than his 4.8.

Name: Michael JordanHandicap: 3GD rank: T-35Comments: Shot 86 in U.S. Open conditions at Bethpage and rediscovered his confidence.*More on this player:Verdi: Can MJ help the U.S. win the Presidents Cup?*10 Rules From Michael JordanPhotos: MJ at the '09 Golf Digest U.S. Open ChallengeName: Michael JordanHandicap: 3GD rank: T-35Comments: Shot 86 in U.S. Open conditions at Bethpage and rediscovered his confidence.*More on this player:Verdi: Can MJ help the U.S. win the Presidents Cup?*10 Rules From Michael JordanPhotos: MJ at the '09 Golf Digest U.S. Open Challenge

Name: Derek LoweHandicap: 3GD rank: T-35Comments: Low Braves pitcher with Smoltz and Glavine gone.Name: Derek LoweHandicap: 3GD rank: T-35Comments: Low Braves pitcher with Smoltz and Glavine gone.

Name: Ben RoethlisbergerHandicap: 3GD rank: T-35Comments: Steelers QB amazed with an 81 in Golf Digest U.S. Open Challenge at Bethpage.*More on this player:Photos: Big Ben at the '09 Golf Digest U.S. Open Challenge*Name: Ben RoethlisbergerHandicap: 3GD rank: T-35Comments: Steelers QB amazed with an 81 in Golf Digest U.S. Open Challenge at Bethpage.*More on this player:Photos: Big Ben at the '09 Golf Digest U.S. Open Challenge*

Name: Kelly SlaterHandicap: 3GD rank: T-35Comments: Nine-time world champ told Surfer magazine:"Golf is the greatest game in the world."Name: Kelly SlaterHandicap: 3GD rank: T-35Comments: Nine-time world champ told Surfer magazine:"Golf is the greatest game in the world."

Name: George BrettHandicap: 3.3GD rank: 42Comments: His rant, in defense of Royals manager Trey Hillman, generated news at a May charity golf tournament.Name: George BrettHandicap: 3.3GD rank: 42Comments: His rant, in defense of Royals manager Trey Hillman, generated news at a May charity golf tournament.

Name: Rondé BarberHandicap: 3.4GD rank: 43Comments: Bucs CB plays at Old Memorial and Cypress Run.Name: Rondé BarberHandicap: 3.4GD rank: 43Comments: Bucs CB plays at Old Memorial and Cypress Run.

Name: Roger ClemensHandicap: 4.0__GD rank:__T 50Comments: Former pitcher's golf might be least controversial aspect of his life.Name: Roger ClemensHandicap: 4.0__GD rank:__T 50Comments: Former pitcher's golf might be least controversial aspect of his life.

Name: Marshall FaulkHandicap: 4.0GD rank: T50Comments: Seven-time Pro Bowler and 2000 NFL MVP shifted his competitiveness to golf.Name: Marshall FaulkHandicap: 4.0GD rank: T50Comments: Seven-time Pro Bowler and 2000 NFL MVP shifted his competitiveness to golf.

Name: Peyton ManningHandicap: 4.6GD rank: 59Comments: Playing in his first AT&T at Pebble Beach, missed cut with pro Webb Simpson.Name: Peyton ManningHandicap: 4.6GD rank: 59Comments: Playing in his first AT&T at Pebble Beach, missed cut with pro Webb Simpson.

Name: Mike EruzioneHandicap: 5.6GD rank: 65Comments: Captain of 1980 "Miracle on Ice" U.S. Olympic team.Name: Mike EruzioneHandicap: 5.6GD rank: 65Comments: Captain of 1980 "Miracle on Ice" U.S. Olympic team.

Name: Emmitt SmithHandicap: 6.0__GD rank:__T-68Comments: Eight-time NFL Pro Bowler won new fans on "Dancing with the Stars."Name: Emmitt SmithHandicap: 6.0__GD rank:__T-68Comments: Eight-time NFL Pro Bowler won new fans on "Dancing with the Stars."

Name: Oscar De La HoyaHandicap: 7GD rank: T-75Comments: His Golden Boy Promotions has limited golf time, which he especially enjoys at Bahia Beach, Puerto Rico.Name: Oscar De La HoyaHandicap: 7GD rank: T-75Comments: His Golden Boy Promotions has limited golf time, which he especially enjoys at Bahia Beach, Puerto Rico.

Name: Marcus AllenHandicap: 8GD rank: T-82Comments: Hall of Fame RB is devoted to improving his golf game.More on this player: My Game: Marcus AllenName: Marcus AllenHandicap: 8GD rank: T-82Comments: Hall of Fame RB is devoted to improving his golf game.More on this player: My Game: Marcus Allen

__Name:__Tom BradyHandicap: 8GD rank: T-82Comments: Patriots QB showed golf skills on HBO's "Entourage."__Name:__Tom BradyHandicap: 8GD rank: T-82Comments: Patriots QB showed golf skills on HBO's "Entourage."

Name: Ozzie SmithHandicap: 8GD rank: T-82__Comments:__Hall of Fame SS is playing in lots of charity golf events.Name: Ozzie SmithHandicap: 8GD rank: T-82__Comments:__Hall of Fame SS is playing in lots of charity golf events.

Name: Anthony GonzalezHandicap: 9.0GD rank: 80Comments: Colts WR caddied for Peyton Manning in Quail Hollow pro-am with Tiger.Name: Anthony GonzalezHandicap: 9.0GD rank: 80Comments: Colts WR caddied for Peyton Manning in Quail Hollow pro-am with Tiger.

Name: Rafael NadalHandicap: 9.0GD rank: T-91Comments: Tennis great is pals with Sergio Garcia; says favorite courses are Pula in Majorca and Madison at La Quinta.Name: Rafael NadalHandicap: 9.0GD rank: T-91Comments: Tennis great is pals with Sergio Garcia; says favorite courses are Pula in Majorca and Madison at La Quinta.

Name: Bo JacksonHandicap: 9.9GD rank: T-98Comments: Two-sport icon (NFL and MLB) now an Illinois banker and business owner.Name: Bo JacksonHandicap: 9.9GD rank: T-98Comments: Two-sport icon (NFL and MLB) now an Illinois banker and business owner.

Name: Eli ManningHandicap: 9.9GD rank: T-98Comments: Giants QB belongs to exclusive Garden City G.C.Name: Eli ManningHandicap: 9.9GD rank: T-98Comments: Giants QB belongs to exclusive Garden City G.C.

Name: Wayne GretzkyHandicap: 10.6GD rank: 105Comments: "The Great One" hopes to match Lemieux in winning Stanley Cup as owner.*More on this player:My Game: Wayne Gretzky*Name: Wayne GretzkyHandicap: 10.6GD rank: 105Comments: "The Great One" hopes to match Lemieux in winning Stanley Cup as owner.*More on this player:My Game: Wayne Gretzky*

Name: Jim RiceHandicap: 11.6GD rank: 105Comments: Red Sox slugger entered Hall of Fame in July.Name: Jim RiceHandicap: 11.6GD rank: 105Comments: Red Sox slugger entered Hall of Fame in July.

Name: John HavlicekHandicap: 11.8GD rank: 105Comments: "Hondo" (seen here with Nicole Castrale) plays on Cape Cod and in Palm Beach area.Name: John HavlicekHandicap: 11.8GD rank: 105Comments: "Hondo" (seen here with Nicole Castrale) plays on Cape Cod and in Palm Beach area.

Name: Joe NamathHandicap: 13.1GD rank: 121Comments: Plays at Nicklaus' Ritz-Carlton club in Jupiter, Fla.Name: Joe NamathHandicap: 13.1GD rank: 121Comments: Plays at Nicklaus' Ritz-Carlton club in Jupiter, Fla.

Name: Shane BattierHandicap: 20.1GD rank: 140Comments: Rockets F wore green jacket to his "Caddyshack"-themed 30th birthday party.Name: Shane BattierHandicap: 20.1GD rank: 140Comments: Rockets F wore green jacket to his "Caddyshack"-themed 30th birthday party.

Name: Jimmie JohnsonHandicap: 21.1GD rank: 141Comments: Winner of 40-plus NASCAR races plays at Quail Hollow.Name: Jimmie JohnsonHandicap: 21.1GD rank: 141Comments: Winner of 40-plus NASCAR races plays at Quail Hollow.

Name: Yogi BerraHandicap: 31.5GD rank: 146Comments: Quote machine still posting scores at age 84.Name: Yogi BerraHandicap: 31.5GD rank: 146Comments: Quote machine still posting scores at age 84.

Name: Charles BarkleyHandicap: 36GD rank: 150Comments: Hank Haney's biggest project is still a golf addict.*More on this player:Haney: Working on Barkley's Swing*Photos: Behind-the-scenes with Charles BarkleyName: Charles BarkleyHandicap: 36GD rank: 150Comments: Hank Haney's biggest project is still a golf addict.*More on this player:Haney: Working on Barkley's Swing*Photos: Behind-the-scenes with Charles Barkley

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2009 RANKING Top Athlete Golfers

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