Marino relief at Congressional
by Richard Field, 04 July 2008
AT&T National first round leader Steve Marino is happy to see kinder rough at the Congressional Country Club this year.
The American fired a five-under-par 65 to hold a one stroke lead over a group of four players at this tournament hosted by Tiger Woods.
Congressional, located in Maryland, has staged two US Opens but a combination of penal rough and bumpy greens caused consternation a year ago.
“The course is playing a little bit easier than last year,” Marino said.
“I think the rough is probably half as tall as it was last year, so it gives you some leeway.
“If you miss the fairway sometimes you can hit it on the green, or at least advance it somewhere up around the green where you can get it up and down.”
Marino played this course during his junior days and he is being noisily supported this week.
"I played a bunch of junior golf growing up here, all over the D.C. area, so it feels great to get off to this good start," added the 28-year-old American.
Defending champion KJ Choi carded a two-under 68, and finds himself in a tie for 13th after the opening day.
“It’s a good number, two-under-par,” Choi said.
“I wasn’t nervous and I enjoyed the round and I had a good group and the crowd was great.”