Feeling at Home, Heading Home

Marino and Watson Are Unlikely Leaders

TURNBERRY, Scotland, July 17 -- When Tom Watson arrived at the 18th green of the Ailsa course here -- which he loves as dearly as a favorite aunt or a trusty old dog -- the name that sat above all others on the grandstand leader board was the same as it had been all of Friday: Marino. Before this week, the chance any of the fans who littered those grandstands had heard of Steve Marino -- whose résumé says he's a 29-year-old from Fairfax who has never won on the PGA Tour -- is about as likely as . . . well, as Watson holing a 60-foot putt to tie Marino for the lead.

That, then, is of course what happened, because this British Open is assuming that improbable-is-likely feel. Watson, the five-time Open champion, thrust himself into that deadlock with Marino -- and thrust his body into contortions fit for a much younger man -- when that putt, so fittingly, traveled across the entire width of the green and plunged to the bottom of the cup, leaving the gallery on its feet and Watson with a unwavering smile.

"The spirits," Watson said, "are with me."

No one in Scotland can say that more confidently than the 59-year-old who had just managed to pull out an even-par 70 for the second round, good enough to match Marino at 5-under 135 over the first two rounds. And on a day when the most unexpected development may have been that Tiger Woods missed the cut -- just the second time he has done so at a major in his 13 years as a pro -- Marino and Watson could sit back and swap stories about who pulled off the most no-he-didn't-just-do-that shots on Friday.

They might, while they're at it, also debate who boasts the most absurd set of circumstances to even be in this position at the old links that offered rain and wind and all the Open has to offer in the second round.

"Lady Turnberry took off her gloves today," Watson said, "and she had some teeth."

Here, then, in chronological order, is how these two -- one with the most cherished memories Scottish golf has to offer, the other with nary a memory of links golf, because he hadn't played a round of it before this week -- came to seize this tournament at the midpoint.

Know, first, that Marino didn't plan to be here when he built his schedule because he hadn't qualified, and he only moved into the position of being the first alternate late last week. When he did, he was at the John Deere Classic in Silvis, Ill. His passport was back at his home in Tequesta, Fla. Problem. What to do? Call the Fairfax home of Steve Marino Sr., put dad on a plane from Washington to Florida, and have him overnight the passport to Illinois.

On Saturday, Marino had his passport. On Sunday morning, he found out Shingo Katayama of Japan had withdrawn. Marino was in.

"I was super excited," he said.

The rest of the story involves a chartered flight with other PGA Tour players from Illinois; a Monday arrival; a refusal to drive on the left side of the road; a search for some rain gear and turtlenecks; two practice rounds; an opening 67 in ideal, calm conditions; and an even more impressive 68 Friday morning that made him the man to chase all day.

"I love the golf course," Marino said. "I love the challenge that it presents."