7 pro athletes who tried to qualify for U.S. Open

One of the great things about the U.S. Open is that it's, well, open.

Each year, anyone with a low handicap (1.4 or better) can attempt to qualify and play in the USGA's prestigious - and extremely challenging - major. That means we've seen some pro athletes who didn't play golf for a living try (and fail) to qualify.

Here are a few of them:

1. Tony Romo

The former Dallas Cowboys quarterback is really good at golf, but this year, he shot a 3-over at a qualifier and didn't move on.

2. John Smoltz

(AP Photo/Cathleen Allison)

The former Atlanta Braves great struggled with his short game at Marietta Country Club by shooting 6-over in 2010 and a 3-over at The River Club in 2011.

3. Josh Scobee

Matt Stamey-US PRESSWIRE

A 2-over in Ponte Vedra Beach was two strokes too many for the Jacksonville Jaguars kicker in 2011.

4. Brett Hull

(AP Photo/Billy Hurst)

The Hockey Hall of Famer shot an 80 at a local Texas qualifier in 2003 and made this bold statement:

'I'd rather play golf than hockey,' Hull told the Austin-American Statesman in Austin, Texas. 'I just love the game. I love the challenge. It's my favorite sport.'

5. Mike Dunham

(Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

The longtime NHL netminder and Islanders coach got into a sectional qualifier in New Jersey this year and ended up shooting 13-over. Back in 2011, he fell just short of making it to a sectional qualifier.

6. Ivan Lendl

He may be a legend on the tennis court, but his U.S. Open dreams were dashed in 2011 when he shot an 84 at a club in Rhode Island.

7. Billy Joe Tolliver

(AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

The journeyman QB failed to make it in his attempts, including in 2011.