Matteo Manassero

On Sunday Italy's Matteo Manassero became the youngest golfer to win the PGA Championship at Wentworth, one of the most prestigious tournaments on the European Tour. As this young champion's career flourishes, this week's player profile brings golf fans up to date with some of his most recent achievements.

Just a few months older than twenty, Manassero was born in 1993 in the town of Negrar, in the vicinity of Venice, Italy. His love for golf increased as he entered his teenage years and by the time Manassero was 16 he had carded his first victory at the 2009 British Amateur Championship.

This win secured the young Italian an invitation to the Open Championship later that season, where he weathered intense competition from some of the world's best players to make the cut and finish the tournament in 13th place. Manassero was awarded the Silver Medal, which is presented to the leading amateur. He retained the number one spot in the World Amateur Golf Rankings for 13 weeks in the 2009 season before turning professional in 2010.

Since making his professional debut at the young age of 16, Manassero has won four times on the European Tour. Adored by fans across Europe for his skill, sportsmanship, and dashing Latin looks, the young champion has spent the past three seasons going from strength to strength.

Manassero's first win came at the 2010 Castello Masters, where he beat local favourite Ignacio Garrido by an impressive four strokes to clinch his first title. In 2011 he won the Maybank Malaysian Open by a single stroke over the Frenchman Gregory Bourdy, and in 2012 he lifted the trophy for the third time at the co-sanctioned Singapore Open.

Manassero's victory on Sunday marks his fourth win on the European Tour and bodes well for the young champion's future as he sets his sights on the top spot in European golf. This talented young player may prove to be one of the game's greatest players in years to come.

GolfWeather
Editorial