Former NFL QB Tony Romo in field as pro golf returns to Peoria area

METAMORA, Ill. (WMBD/WYZZ) — Professional golf returns to central Illinois this week.

So does former NFL player Tony Romo.

The former Dallas quarterback is in the field for the Children’s Hospital of Illinois Championship this week in central Illinois. He played in the All Pro Tour event last year alongside up-and-coming players professional players at Metamora Fields Golf Course.

“The people here are so generous and nice and allow me to play in this tournament. You want to allow the people who help you out, you want to help them out, too,” Romo said at Tuesday’s pro-am.

He didn’t make the cut in the 72-hole event last June but enjoyed the event so much he added it to his summer calendar this year.

“To have the ability to come back here this year (is great),” said Romo. “It’s a special place I really enjoyed it last year.”

This week there are both men’s and women’s pro tournaments being played in the Peoria. There’s a Children’s Hospital of Illinois Championship for the Annika Tour, as well. The Annika Tour is loaded with women’s players trying to make their way to the LPGA Tour.

Metamora Fields and WeaverRidge are serving as host golf courses for both tournaments.

“This is going to be an exciting tournament. I love both of the courses that we’re going to get to play there,” said Annika Tour player Krista Junkkari. “Two very different (courses). So I think it’s going to challenge everybody of us to show all the aspects of our games.”

Andrew Beckler is back for his second year at Metamora Fields.

“This golf course is fantastic. This was one of the events I had circled on my calendar at the beginning of the year to come back to,” said Beckler. “So it’s a great task, a challenge. So is WeaverRidge down the road, so excited to be out here this week.”

The tournaments tee off Wednesday morning at both golf courses. After Thursday’s cuts, the final two rounds of both tournaments will be played at Metamora Fields.

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