LUTZ --
The golf education of Derrick Brooks continues unabated at the Encompass Insurance Pro-Am.
The former perennial Pro Bowl linebacker of the Buccaneers is a member of Old Memorial, and Brooks enjoys the pro/amateur format at the TPC Tampa Bay.
In Friday's opening round, Brooks started on the 10th tee at 7:26 a.m., with ex-Rays slugger Fred McGriff and Champions Tour pros Larry Nelson and Hale Irwin .
"I had fun today playing with our group,'' said Brooks, the president of the Arena League's Tampa Bay Storm. "We'll play in the afternoon tomorrow — hopefully this course will be more gracious to us. This format is very engaging, and the course makes you go through every shot.''
Even with all his accomplishments as an NFL icon, Brooks isn't above asking a fellow pro for advice.
"I'm always learning about this game,'' Brooks said after Nelson finished at 1 under. "I like to watch the mental toughness of these guys, and they're always trying to give me a golf tip, which I appreciate.''
Early riser
Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino, who led the Cardinals to the NCAA Tournament semifinals against Kentucky, was among the first amateurs on the course Friday morning.
Pitino's group included Outback Steakhouse co-founder Chris Sullivan and pros Kenny Perry (72) and Jay Haas (69).
"I probably play 15-20 rounds of golf a year, mostly in April and May,'' said Pitino, a member of Old Memorial in Tampa. "I had a great time today.''
Next month, Pitino and players from the 1987 Providence team that advanced to the Final Four will gather for a silver anniversary celebration. That club was led by gritty guard Billy Donovan, now coaching the Florida Gators.
"The last two years have been as much fun as I've had in the business,'' Pitino said.
Comeback kid
Bernhard Langer opened with a 67, one year after being unable to defend his 2010 title here because of a thumb injury that required surgery.
Langer reeled off three consecutive birdies, starting at the 12th hole. He added two birdies on the front side, missing a hole-in-one by 6 inches at No. 8. Langer's only bogey of the morning came on No. 15.
"I'm very encouraged with my ball striking and a little bit upset with my putting,'' Langer said. "The greens are not that easy to read.''
Tee shots
Nick Price, who won here in 2009, was 3 over when he withdrew after seven holes because of elbow tendonitis. …Tommy Armour III pulled out with a shoulder injury after opening with a bogey at No. 10. … Brad Bryant shot a 67 despite missing two 2-foot putts.
Ira Kaufman
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