Jerry Rice to make pro golf debut

[madinmaryland]

HAYWARD, Calif. (AP) -- Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice is taking a swing at professional golf, and insists it's no publicity stunt.

He will make his pro debut Thursday in a Nationwide Tour event. He also will serve as host of the 156-player tournament, with his foundation receiving proceeds.

The 47-year-old Rice will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in August. He has been golfing seriously for more than 20 years and has been a regular in pro-ams.

Rice would be eligible for prize money if he makes the 36-hole cut at the Fresh Express Classic at Stonebrae. The Nationwide Tour works under the umbrella of the PGA Tour.

Read More: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/football/nfl/04/13/jerry.rice.golf.ap/index.html

[Captain Hilts]

1. A sport where pushing off is not tolerated. He'll fail!

[JonLP24]

2. Good luck to him. nt

[Awsi Dooger]

3. 83 on Thursday but better today

Rice is +4 through 16 today, with 3 birdies. He's in last place but one guy who tied with him Thursday has yet to tee off. And a wimp who shot 85 yesterday withdrew, no doubt to avoid the potential embarrassment of losing to Rice.

Three double bogeys on par 5s have been Jerry's downfall. He blew many short putts yesterday and had a whiff out of a sidehill lie in thick grass above a bunker.