Links novice Marino has a blast at Turnberry

By Mark Lamport-Stokes

TURNBERRY, Scotland (Reuters) - Experience of links-course golf is usually a prized commodity at the British Open but unheralded American Steve Marino has bucked that notion this week.

Making his first appearance in the oldest major championship, the 29-year-old has relished the challenge of Turnberry's Ailsa Course and stayed in the title hunt by shooting a two-under-par 68 in Friday's second round.

"I'm just having a blast," Marino told reporters after carding an eagle, four birdies and four bogeys as tricky winds and intermittent drizzle swept across the Ayrshire coastline.

"It's awesome. I'm really just enjoying it and having fun. I love the golf course and I love the challenge it presents.

"You have to drive it straight, and most importantly, you have to stay patient and stay positive out there. Once you start getting down on yourself and thinking negatively, it will go bad real quick," added Marino after closing on five-under 135.

Marino, playing his third full season on the PGA Tour where he is yet to win, felt there were two sides to the experience argument when it came to the nuances of links golf.

"Obviously it's an advantage to have experience but it can also be an advantage to not have experience," he said. "I haven't really experienced any nightmares over here yet, knock on wood.

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