Tim Tebow, John Elway Set To Tackle American Century Championship

With the Lockout soon to be over, Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow knows his near future will be somewhere other than a golf course.  For the next three days, however, Tebow will give it the ole' college try when his tees off in the American Century Championship.

"I get my money's worth out of every swing," said the Denver Bronco quarterback after taking a mighty rip at his drive from the 16th tee. "I'm not an expert at this, and if I break 90 each day out here I'll be happy."

But while quarterbacks like Tony Romo, Billy Joe Tolliver and John Elway have perennially been among the favorites to win the 54-hole Stableford event that is in its 22nd year and starts on Friday, Tebow reluctantly has accepted his fate long before play begins.

"It's hard to accept that I don't have a chance before I get started," said Tebow. "I'm competitive and I'll try my hardest, but I don't practice and I don't take lessons. I really just enjoy going out and betting against my brother (Robby). Some day, I'll find time to practice and get good at this game."

But for the foreseeable future, Tebow is concentrating on his football career and winning a starting job as the Broncos quarterback. His boss, Elway, the executive vice president of football operations for the Broncos, would expect nothing less of his 2010 first-round draft pick.

"I hope people don't get the wrong impression seeing me here," said the 23-year old Tebow who started three games in his rookie season. "I'm very proud of the work that I've put in during this off season and I'm looking for a chance to compete and handle our offense."

Meanwhile, Elway has had the time to practice his golf game, and it shows. He finished in a four-way tie for second place last year, is around par for 18 holes and is listed at 12-1 odds to win the tournament.

"I think I'm still getting better," said the 51-year-old Hall-of-Famer who is one of four golfers who has played in every Tahoe celebrity golf championship. "I really enjoy this week. It's chance to see everyone again and it gives me a chance to compete. We never seem to lose that."

Elway also was looking forward to sharing pleasantries with his sophomore quarterback on this practice day, knowing that Tebow was playing three groups in front of his. But the two will not be allowed to talk business due to the ongoing player lockout.

"I sure don't want to get on his bad side and I don't think I'll be in trouble if I just say ‘hey,'" said the former Heisman Trophy winner, not fully knowing the league-imposed rules during the lockout.

Elway chuckled at the craziness of the situation. "We can't talk shop, but I'll be able to say, ‘Hey, how are you? How's the family?'"