It's not just Penguins players populating golf courses this time of year, but it sounds like you may also run into a Steeler or two at a local club.
TJ Watt is one of the Steelers recently bitten by the golf bug. But while Watt is getting closer and closer to that elusive NFL Defensive Player of the Year award, he still has a ways to go on the links.
"The golf game is coming along, (just) a little slower than I would want," Watt says. "It sounds like Joe Haden is gaining ten strokes a year now; it's ridiculous. I gotta get whatever coach he has."
I'm not sure what Haden's scores were a year ago, but at the moment, he is playing to a 12 handicap. His advice to his younger protégé is simple. "With TJ, I told him, 'you've got to swing the club a lot,'" Haden explains, probably because that's what he has been doing.
"I've been doing a whole lot of golfing out in LA where I've been training," continues Haden, who has his sights set quite high. "Me and TJ are going to play against Ben (Roethlisberger) and his brother in a match. Hopefully, we get a lot of strokes, but that should be a good time."
I don't know about Ben's brother, but Roethlisberger plays to a 4.1 out of Allegheny Country Club. That is real golf.
But we do know there is another Steeler who wants in: tight end Eric Ebron.
"I think I'm the best player on this roster. I'm just going to out there on a limb and say that," boasts Ebron, who may or may not know that his QB is better than pretty good (I could not find Ebron in the USGA GHIN index).
Ebron also hedged his braggadocio somewhat, saying that he may not play as much between now and training camp. "I love the game, but I think this month is my chill-out month," he says. "It's time for me to really get into cardio and bring my physicality up for the upcoming year."
Yet, as those of us hooked on the game know all too well, it will be tough for Ebron to completely stay away. "I'll hit the links a little bit, of course," he admits, "It's my getaway, it's my freedom."
Oh, one more thing. "I'm the best golfer, and I'll be playing a lot, Ebron laughs. "Whoever wants to see me give their money to out there on the golf course, all friendly bets, I'm with whatever."
It sounds like an offer a few Steelers might not be able to refuse.