12:39 PM PT — J.R. is getting better in the second round — he’s 3-over par through his first 10 holes.
Smith’s former teammate, LeBron James, is showing support for his good friend … saying, “HOW AMAZING IS THIS MAN!!! DAMN IM BEYOND PROUD OF MY BROTHER!”
J.R. Smith’s officially a college golfer — the 36-year-old made his debut at a tournament on Monday … and it may not have gone the way he was hoping.
The ex-NBA star suited up for North Carolina A&T on the first day of the Elon Phoenix Invitational at the Alamance Country Club in Burlington, NC on Monday … and he had a pretty solid start, hitting 2 birdies in his first 5 holes.
But, after making par on holes 10-14, Smith carded 7 bogeys and a double-bogey to finish out with an 81 (+7) … just 6 spots above last place.
followed @TheRealJRSmith for the first five holes today in his first tournament as a member of the @NCATAGGIES Golf Team. Had a pair of birdies, a great chip and stuck his approach on No. 9 to within a foot from the pin. @WFMY @ncatsuaggies pic.twitter.com/s7q6rpk1pa
Look, there was no way the former All-Star was going to come in and wreck the competition, but the fact he’s even out there doing his thing is pretty awesome … and he looked damn good, too.
Smith will be able to work on his score during the second round of competition — which got underway — and we’ll be keeping an eye out to see what he does on the links!!
Big shout-out to Smith for putting in the work and getting this far.
