Hawk's wrist well enough to swing in golf event on NBC-TV

By Bob Wolfley of the Journal Sentinel

June 23, 2011 3:06 p.m.

Green Bay Packers linebacker A.J. Hawk, who had right wrist surgery in February, feels good enough about his recovery to compete in the American Century Championship celebrity golf invitational next month in Lake Tahoe.

Besides the 54-hole tournament, Hawk said he also will compete in the long drive competition at the event July 12-17 in Stateline, Nev. This will be the third year he has participated in the golf tournament at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course, which will be televised on NBC and Versus.

Two other members of the Packers, quarterback Aaron Rodgers and kicker Mason Crosby, also are expected to compete.

Hawk (left) admitted during a conference call with reporters on Wednesday that he had not played a single round of golf since the Sunday round in the American Century event last year. He said he was going to play a round on Wednesday to test out his wrist.

"I got the last piece of hardware taken out of my wrist a few weeks ago," Hawk said.

Hawk said he first tested it some days back at a driving range.

"That was my first chance giving it a chance to swing," Hawk said. "I feel pretty good. I can’t swing as hard as I would like. Since it is my right wrist, it’s kind of hard to snap through, I guess. But it’s not like I was out there shooting 65 last year. Hopefully, I’ll improve on my score from last year."

Hawk finished 69th in the field of 83 in 2010 tournament, which uses the modified Stableford format. Rodgers tied for 43rd.

The Packers cut Hawk in March, only to sign him to another five-year deal worth $33.7 million, which includes an $8 million signing bonus.

Hawk chose to defend his former coach Jim Tressel, who resigned at Ohio State after NCAA violations surfaced about the program.

"I just think it’s kind of a shame," Hawk said. "He knows he made a mistake with not reporting everything, I guess, or everything he knew. But it’s a shame because he is such a great guy and person and to have to go out that way (is unfortunate). I have actually seen him a few times since he resigned. He’s handling it really well. He’s really classy. I hate to see that happen to him. I hope the program still thrives."

Hawk won the long-drive contest two years ago in the American Century tournament. He recalls his winning drive somewhere in the 330-yard range. Actor Alfonso Ribeiro beat him and won the event last year. Ribeiro's winning drive measured 333 yards. Hawk finished fourth at 295

.