John Smoltz competing for spot in U.S. Open

Sporting News staff reports Free-agent pitcher John Smoltz will test his ability on the links Monday as he tries to qualify for next month's U.S. Open. MLB.com and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution report Smoltz, who'll turn 43 on Saturday, will be among 144 players competing at an 18-hole local event in Marietta, Ga. The top nine finishers and two alternates will move to a 36-hole sectional qualifying tournament, with a spot in the Open on the line. Smoltz tells MLB.com that he isn't overly confident about his chances. "I'm pretty realistic," Smoltz said. "Even if I set forth a month's worth of practice, my realistic chance of qualifying isn't great. I just want to do it for the experience." The Journal-Constitution reports Smoltz, who is an analyst for Turner Sports and MLB Network, has a 2 handicap. He has expressed interest in playing on the PGA's Champions Tour when he turns 50.