Marino takes his chance as the Ailsa shows its teeth

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Steve Marino set the early clubhouse target in the second round of The Open Championship at Turnberry despite only receiving the call-up to play on Sunday.

The American was originally third reserve for the tournament and as he competed at the John Deere Classic in Illinois last week, Turnberry could not be further from his mind.

However, when Japan’s Shingo Katayama dropped out with a back problem on Sunday, the 29-year-old from Oklahoma was invited to play in his very first Open Championship.

“I didn’t have any warm clothes. I didn’t have a passport. I had to fly my dad to my house in Florida so he could get my passport and FedEx it to me at the John Deere,” he said.

“I wasn’t even expecting to play in this tournament. I didn’t think I was going to be an alternate, let alone be playing.”
Marino began the day three off the lead held by Spain’s Miguel Angel Jiménez who equalled the lowest first round in Open history with a stunning 64.

After pristine conditions in the opening round, light drizzle and wind whipping off the Irish Sea greeted the players on day two and the Ailsa course showed its teeth.

But as Jiménez and many others failed to cope with a strong wind on the Ayrshire links, Marino shrugged off his lack of preparation and inexperience of links golf to card a second round of 68 for a five under par halfway total of 135.

“I’ve played four links rounds ever, two practise rounds and then the first two rounds. They have links courses in the States, but I wouldn’t really call them links; it’s not like it is over here,” he said.

“But it’s awesome; I’m really just enjoying it and having fun. I’m just having a blast.”

Marino, who has three top-10 finishes on The PGA Tour this season, is relishing the challenge of the Ailsa course and aims to enjoy his golf here this week.

“I’m just really looking forward to playing golf here the next few days. I’ve really enjoyed myself here, I love the golf course. I love the challenge that it presents,” he said.

“You have to drive it straight, and most importantly, you have to stay patient and stay positive out there, because once you start getting down on yourself and thinking negatively, it will go bad real quick.”