Now that John Smoltz' Hall of Fame career is over in baseball, he's turned his attention to making the cut in golf.
Smoltz will participate in a local qualifier for the U.S. Open next week along with thousands of other golf hopefuls, according to ESPN.com.
"This is all about experiencing it more than anything," Smoltz told USGA.org. "I haven't beat a bunch of balls. I am not trying to do anything heroic other than to see what it's like."
While Smoltz doesn't expect to make the cut, he's hoping this experience will be a precursor to future success.
"It takes time to do anything of this kind of nature," Smoltz said "You've got to get accustomed to it. As much as I do [love to compete], I'll just be playing a regular round of golf. Of course I'm going to be in a little different mode. I understand the possibilities. I am just looking forward to doing it because I finally can."
Smoltz spent 20 years with the Atlanta Braves before starting 2009 with the Boston Red Sox as a starter. After that attempt failed, he joined the St. Louis Cardinals and was an important contributor to their quest for the division crown.
