Marino leads at the AT&T
by Brian Murphy, 03 July 2008
American Steve Marino held the overnight lead on the opening day of the AT&T National at the Congressional Club, Maryland.
Marino fired a five-under-par 65 to lead by one shot from countrymen Jeff Overton and Frank Lickliter II and Australian Rod Pampling, who all opened with rounds of 66 for a tie for second place.
Marino birdied three of his first four holes to open in stunning fashion, before picking up two more birdies on the back nine – including a three on the on the 18th - for a blemish free round.
Notah Begay III is among a thicket of players on three-under-par in just his fourth tournament this year after he injured his back.
Playing in the same group as the leader, Begay admitted that he was feeding off the hoigh standard set by his playing partner.
"We were kind of feeding off each other," Begay said. "He hit some really nice shots in there. I would follow him up and vice versa. Both Steve and John [Merrick], they are great young players, and it's fun to get to know the young guys.
"Just to see them and how they play, it's encouraging. These guys hit it so far, and I wasn't too far behind them. I didn't feel like the old guy out there."
German Alex Cejka is another on three-under-par, while England’s Brian Davis is towards the back of the field after shooting 72.
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