Amateur champion Matteo Manassero turns professional for Italian Open

Posted on May 3, 2010 by godadnet

Manassero steps up three days before home Open
I feel ready to turn pro, 17-year-old says

Italy’s Matteo Manassero, tipped to be Europe’s next golfing great, officially became a professional today two weeks after his 17th birthday and three days before he plays the Italian Open.

The leading amateur both at the Open last July and the Masters a month ago, Manassero has also joined the International Management Group (IMG).

The youngest player ever to win the British Amateur title said: “I feel ready to turn pro and am happy to play my first event as a professional in Italy.

“I am grateful that the Italian Federation and the sponsors have given me the opportunity to start my professional career at home in front of my family and friends and all those who have supported me throughout my amateur career. I hope to play well to reward their faith in me and to thank them for all their support.”

Manassero has already made the cut in six of seven professional events in which he competed.

Jon Heaton, vice-president of IMG golf, said: “His talent is clear, but we are just as excited about his enthusiasm and love of the game. He is an impressive young man and will certainly be one to watch for years to come.”

Last October Manassero assisted the International Golf Federation in presenting its successful bid to the International Olympic Federation alongside Padraig Harrington, Michelle Wie and Suzann Pettersen to include golf on the programme for the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Read the Guardian’s golf correspondent Lawrence Donegan on Manassero here

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