Anybody who believes John Elway plays golf just for the fun of it didn’t see him on the 17th and 18th greens Thursday at Green Valley Ranch Golf Club.
When he barely missed birdie putts on the final two holes of the Colorado Open’s first round, the Broncos legend grimaced before stalking over to the ball for tap-in pars.
That’s the kind of day it was for Elway, although his 5-over-par 76 kept him in decent shape to make the cut if he has a good second round today.
“I had it going early, had a birdie on (No.) 2. But it just kind of went downhill, and I couldn’t get it back on track,” Elway said.
University of Colorado golfer Pat Grady shot 67 to tie for the lead with Brian Kortan of Albuquerque.
Usually, wherever Elway goes in Colorado, large crowds follow. But a small gallery of about 10 watched Elway play with three-time Colorado Open champ Bill Loeffler and Meridian G.C. pro Paul Lobato. After the early birdie, Elway bogeyed five of the next seven holes before settling down with a 1-over on the back nine.
“There were a lot of ‘almosts,’ ” Elway said.
Still, Elway said he’ll take a day at the golf course anytime over the many years he spent at Broncos training camps. The Broncos reported to Dove Valley on Thursday for the start of camp.
“I don’t miss anything to do with that,” he said.
A new left knee from replacement surgery last year, and some work under the tutelage of Lobato, have Elway’s golf game as good as it has been in a few years.
“Paul has really helped me a lot, at least getting more consistent,” Elway said. “He hasn’t quite gotten all the bad shots out of my system yet, but he’s working on it.”
Lobato, who shot 72, said he first played golf with Elway about 15 years ago.
“At first, you’re a little in awe being around him, but he’s just one of the guys with us, and that’s what everybody said he was like as a Broncos player, too,” Lobato said. “He’s got a very good swing. He made some great shots today and just missed a couple of putts.”
Elway seemed to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the tournament and the sparse gallery.
“I like your hat, big guy,” Elway told a youngster wearing a Broncos cap, right before his tee shot on the par-5, No. 18.
Of course, it wasn’t long before the son’s father nervously asked if Elway could sign it.
Adrian Dater: 303-954-1360 or adater@denverpost.com
