Golf Latest: Matteo Manassero lifts Sir Henry Cotton trophy, declared Rookie of the Year
He is 17-year-old and the rookie of the year. Matteo Manassero, a name ready to take over the future of golf.
Matteo Manassero has been awarded the title of Rookie-of-the-Year on the European Tour. The Italian was handed over the Sir Henry Cotton trophy in Paris on Tuesday evening in view of his outstanding performance throughout the season.
Sir Henry Cotton trophy is given to a player who performs with utmost dedication throughout the season. This award is a souvenir in the memory of the great British golfer, Sir Henry Cotton who won three Open Championships from 1934 to 1948.
Manassero rightly deserved the award which was decided upon by a jury comprising of R&A officials, the Association of Golf Writers and The European Tour. The player, who hails from Italy, seized his debut victory in Valencia at Costa Azahar where Castello
Masters was staged. It was shortly after the rookie turned professional at the age of 17.
The former British Amateur champion was delighted over his achievement. Dressed in black dress shirt, Manassero said, “I never expected to win so quickly. To win the rookie of the year award is a perfect way to end my first season as a professional. It is
such a special award because you only get one chance to win it. When you see the amazing players that have won it in the past and you see how important these players were in golf's history, it is very exciting to have your name engraved beside theirs."
Manassero’s year started with Augusta Masters where he became the youngest player to compete and succeeded in making the half way cut. Moreover, the rookie reached the top 31st spot in Race to Dubai and finished 32nd in Dubai World
Championship, which was a fabulous way to mark the year close.
The player admires Martin Kaymer and plans to follow his footsteps. He told this to the press after the prestigious ceremony. He acclaimed, “Then you see that Martin Kaymer won the rookie of the year only three years ago and now he is the No 1 in Europe.
I hope I can follow in Martin's footsteps one day."
Tags: