Bethesda, Maryland
04 July 2008
American Steve Marino has a one-stroke lead over four other playersafter the first round of the AT&T National golf tournament. AsVOA's David Byrd reports from Bethesda, Maryland, Marino shot afive-under-par 65 on the Congressional Country Club Course.
SteveMarino started this tournament the way he had hoped - with a birdie(one stroke under par on a hole) on his first hole. The American addedfour more birdies before ending his round at 5-under-par, 65.
"Imean it was a great day," said Marino. "I started off well with abirdie on one. Had another tap-in birdie on three and a kind of a snakeon four and after that I just played solid. Two more birdies, nobogeys. It was a great day."
American Jeff Overton is tied withcompatriots Frank Lickliter and Bob Estes and Australian Rod Pamplingat 4-under-par, 66. Another group of players - including Alex Cejkaof Germany, Australian Stuart Appleby and Fredrik Jacobsen of Sweden -are tied for sixth place at 3-under-par.
Defending champion K.J. Choi of South Korea is part of another group tied at 2-under-par.