European Tour; Matteo Manassero eyeing the Falcon trophy
Matteo Manassero, the winner of Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year award has some high plans for the next season starting with Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship.
The 17-year-old has stepped into his rookie season and has decided to make an appearance at the first event of the European tour. The Italian made an official statement last Tuesday that he was eyeing the Falcon trophy and was
ready to fight Martin Kaymer for it.
The young rookie said, “Abu Dhabi will now be like a second home for me. I was very fortunate and grateful for the opportunity to compete in the 2010 Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, and the welcome I received was incredible. I look
forward to returning and hopefully putting in a great performance for my fans. I know there is a big Italian community in Abu Dhabi, so it will be great to have them out to cheer me on. With what is likely to be one of the most competitive fields of any event
this year, I’ll need all the support I can get if I hope to lift the Falcon Trophy.”
The welcome that Matteo stressed on referred to the sponsorship deal, which he signed with Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA). According to the contract, Matteo will act as a global golf ambassador for the emirate. However, the
period for the deal has not been disclosed. The purpose behind this deal was to enhance the credibility of golf scenario in Emirates and encourage the youth towards the sports.
While commenting on the deal Director General, ADTA Mubarak Al Muhairi said, “Matteo has captured the imagination of the golfing world, both with his special talent and youthful charisma. He, like Abu Dhabi, has a strong and promising
future in the golfing world. Matteo epitomises the game’s youth movement, is a champion of the sport globally, and an inspiration to up-and-coming athletes, showing that through unwavering determination and commitment anything is possible.”
Matteo Manassero will become a legend in the future. It is evident from his fast start. The Italian caught limelight in 2009 Open Championship, where he made the cut playing alongside Tom Watson and won the silver medal as the
leading amateur. Later he became the youngest golfer to post a victory on European tour at Castello Masters Costa Azahar in Spain and within a span of months became Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year. The named title is awarded to an amateur who performs
brilliantly in his early years like Sir Henry Cotton.
In April this year, Manassero carried his heroics performance to The Masters, where he once again set the record of being the youngest player to contend and the youngest to qualify the cut. Seven months later, he finished second
to Ian Poulter in USB Hong Kong Open by a margin of one stroke. In the same tournament, he set the course lowest record of 62 in the final round, which helped him compile an aggregate of 21-under-par.
The mark of 62 gives a fair idea of Matteo’s understanding of UAE courses. This gives him additional support against the powerful field, which includes names like Louis Oosthuizen, Graeme McDowell, Ian Poulter, Phil Mickelson,
Paul Casey, and Martin Kaymer. The final line-up has not been disclosed, but the officials of ADTA aim to include the top ten players of the world. That might include the scorned Tiger Woods; after all, he is the former world number one.
Matteo Manassero has been included in the final line up of Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, which will kick off in January at Abu Dhabi Golf Course to welcome the European Tour. One more punter added to the battle for the conquest
of Falcon Trophy.
Tags: