Steve Marino, a former professional golfer with an impressive PGA Tour resume that included five runner-up finishes between 2008 and 2016, recently shared his experience of playing alongside golf legend Tom Watson at the 2009 Open Championship at Turnberry. Although Marino has not achieved a victory on the tour, he reached a career-best world ranking of 54th in 2011. Despite recent intentions to return to competitive play, he is currently sidelined due to his recovery from hernia surgery.
Golfing with Young Daniel Berger and Airplane Hijinks with Ernie Els
During his appearance on the Subpar podcast, hosted by Colt Knost and Drew Stoltz, Marino discussed some memorable moments and shared entertaining stories from his golfing career. He recounted playing against a young Daniel Berger, a rising star on the PGA Tour, as well as engaging in amusing airplane hijinks with the legendary Ernie Els.
A Historic Round with Tom Watson
One of the most remarkable experiences for Marino was being part of golf history by playing alongside Tom Watson during the 2009 Open Championship. At the age of 59, Watson aimed to become the oldest major winner ever. Marino was in awe of Watson’s exceptional performance, particularly when faced with challenging crosswinds on certain holes. Despite struggling to keep his ball in the fairway due to the left-to-right wind, Marino marveled at Watson’s ability to hit perfectly straight shots that defied the elements.
Marino’s anticipation grew as he approached the right-to-left holes, curious to see how Watson would handle them. To his amazement, Watson effortlessly executed beautiful draws that covered significant yardage, without being influenced by the wind. Marino was impressed not only by Watson’s ball-striking but also by his exceptional putting skills.
The Final Hole Drama
On the final day of the tournament, Watson held a one-shot lead heading into the last hole. However, his approach shot to the green ended up slightly too long, and he failed to get it up and down, resulting in a costly bogey. This forced Watson into a four-hole playoff against Stewart Cink, which ultimately ended in Cink’s favor. Throughout the entire weekend, the crowd fervently supported Watson, creating a remarkable atmosphere.
Marino vividly recalls the overwhelming support for Watson from the spectators, who passionately chanted phrases like “Let’s go Tom” and “come on Tom” throughout the entire competition. The crowd’s unwavering allegiance to Watson was evident, and it felt like millions of people were present to witness the historic moments unfolding on the course.
Reflecting on his own performance, Marino remembers a particular incident during the tournament when he made a “dub” (double bogey) on the 16th hole. While he was standing on the green, contemplating an eight-foot putt for a high score, Watson faced a challenging 40-foot putt for birdie. As Watson sank the putt, the crowd erupted into a deafening roar, shaking the ground beneath Marino’s feet. The intensity of the moment left a lasting impression on Marino, emphasizing the incredible atmosphere surrounding Watson’s pursuit of victory.
Marino’s own performance at Turnberry resulted in a tie for 38th place after shooting 76 and 75 on the weekend rounds.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Who is Steve Marino?
Steve Marino is a former professional golfer who competed on the PGA Tour. He achieved five runner-up finishes during his career.
2. What is his PGA Tour resume like?
Steve Marino’s PGA Tour resume includes five runner-up finishes between 2008 and 2016, with a career-best world ranking of 54th in 2011.
3. Why is he currently sidelined?
Steve Marino is currently recovering from hernia surgery, which has temporarily taken him away from competitive play.
4. What are some fun stories from Marino’s career?
One of the entertaining anecdotes from Steve Marino’s career includes his experiences playing against a young Daniel Berger. Additionally, he shares amusing airplane hijinks stories involving the legendary golfer Ernie Els.
5. What happened during the 2009 Open Championship with Tom Watson?
Tom Watson, at the age of 59, came close to becoming the oldest major winner ever at the 2009 Open Championship. Marino had the privilege of playing alongside Watson during the tournament’s Saturday round and witnessed Watson’s impressive abilities as he battled challenging crosswinds and showcased incredible ball-striking and putting skills.
6. Describe the dramatic final hole with Tom Watson.
On the final hole of the 2009 Open Championship, Tom Watson’s approach shot came up just short, leading to a pivotal bogey. This set up a four-hole playoff against Stewart Cink, which Watson ultimately lost. The immense crowd support for Watson throughout the tournament created a lively and unforgettable atmosphere.
7. How did the crowd react during the tournament?
The spectators passionately showed their support for Tom Watson, constantly chanting phrases like “Let’s go Tom” and “come on Tom.” The immense noise generated by the crowd’s enthusiastic cheers was deafening and made a lasting impression on Marino.
8. How did Marino feel about the experience?
Steve Marino described the experience of watching Tom Watson’s exceptional performance and witnessing his remarkable ability to contend for victory at such an advanced age as “pretty cool” and “amazing.” He acknowledged the challenges of the course and his own performance.
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