Spotlight Shines Brightly At Home

Marino's Crowd Mostly Peaceful During Final Day

At 6:29 yesterday morning, Dave Wisemiller received a text message from Steve Marino encouraging him to cheer louder on the final day at the AT&T National at Congressional Country Club.

Wisemiller, 28, has been an ardent supporter of his childhood friend throughout the week.

A group of Marino's friends vociferously supported the Fairfax native each day, a subject that became a point of contention between Jeff Maggert and Wisemiller on Saturday when Maggert confronted Wisemiller about cheering during Maggert's backswing.

By coincidence, yesterday's groupings included Maggert and Marino along with Nick Watney. That meant every Wisemiller cheer would vibrate directly within Maggert's earshot.

"I didn't think the guy would be here today," said Maggert, who had no comment about the specifics of the incident.

"From my side of it, there is no issue. I got nothing against the guy coming out here and having a good time."

Said Wisemiller: "Maggert saw me on the first tee. He stared me down."

Apparently to prevent any incidents, two police officers in a golf cart trailed Wisemiller and his friends. The police officers declined to comment.

Wisemiller said a PGA Tour security official approached him by name and told him about a "no heckling policy."

Wisemiller told the official he didn't perform any heckling, only "rooting for [his] buddy." The PGA Tour does not comment on security matters. The added security couldn't temper Wisemiller from displaying his passion for "Stevie baby," as he often shouted.

"I'm just doing my thing," he said. "I got to root for my boy."

The day concluded without incident. Wisemiller continued supporting his friend, slapping Marino's hand over the rope when Marino crossed from one hole to the next.