It’s no secret that professional athletes love to play golf. Once they're done with the games that brought them fame and fortune, they often turn to the links to keep their competitive juices flowing. Michael Jordan’s love of golf is no secret now, nor was it during his playing days. And Charles Barkley’s golf swing has been the subject of ridicule for years. Jordan and Barkley aren’t the only athletes who love golf, nor are they anywhere close to the best.

Later this month, Tony Romo will try for the third time to qualify for the U.S. Open. Also trying to qualify will be NFL kickers Josh Scobee and Ryan Longwell, former QB Billy Joe Tolliver and former major league pitchers Shane Rawley, Mark Mulder and John Smoltz. They may be great football and baseball players, but don’t expect any of them to qualify.

Success in one sport doesn't guarantee success in another. Last month one of the greatest players in the history of the NFL, Jerry Rice, made his professional golf debut on the Nationwide Tour with less than stellar results. But there is hope for Rice, Romo and the rest. Athletes switching to golf from other sports is nothing new. In fact, some have been quite successful at crossing over. Here’s a look at the Top 10 Athletes Turned Golfers (not that golfers aren't athletes).

A special thanks to RealClearSports columnist Jeff Neuman, whose book, "A Disorderly Compendium of Golf," helped greatly in the research of this list.