Jerry Rice to make debut in professional golf

HAYWARD - 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.

Go head with that JR..

You's my nicca and I'm glad to see you back in professional sports even if it's lame[..] golf.

Do what you have to do...

...but he's coming off as a dude that can't fall back once the spotlight starts to fade away.

Lets go niners!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I jus got done watching him on the Golf channel playing against LT on the Trump Show.....he is very good....they said hes a 2 handicap.....he wont win but he is very good.....LT can b0mb a drive.....he hit a 9 iron from 180 or something......thats !!ing bananas

+12 20 shots off the lead

golf makes u wanna k!ll mutha!!as when u dont play good......i thought hed do a little better but

If he puts the same work ethic into golf as he did when he was a WR he can easily be a pro.

golf aint like that.....u can play till ur hands bleed an never be any good........plus hes getting a little too old to be going anywhere wit golf now.....

I HIGHLY DOUBT there is anyone on BX nation who is a scratch golfer......if ur a scratch golfer u maybe can play in a tournament an maybe make the cut.....

this is why its so amazing that Tiger took 6 months off came back an finished in the top 5 at the Masters......that !! was amazing

Yet people dont understand the skill it takes to be an elite golfer just because you arent running around for an hour like apes.

i hope a bear or an alligator attacks him on the course

he just lost to Lawrence Taylor in Donald Trumps new show

he couldnt even beat LT...hes gonna get k!lled playing against real golfers. When I watched yesterday he 3 putted like every green