Matteo Manassero becomes youngest millionaire on the European Tour – Golf update
Italian, Matteo Manassero, became the youngest golfer in the history of the European Tour to pass million euro earnings mark. Manassero is only seventeen years of age and reached the quarter finals of the Accenture Match Play before he was defeated by Luke
Donald. Turning professional only nine months ago, Manassero shocked everyone by qualifying for the Match Play. Reaching the quarterfinals, Matteo did better than players like Lee Westwood and Tiger Woods.
“Obviously, I have been happy with the progress I have made so far, I have already exceeded all my expectations,” said Manassero. “But, with the long courses we play every week on tour, I know I have got to hit the ball a lot further, which is why I have
gone into the gym for the first time ever. I have got to do the hard work.”
Donald didn’t go any easier on the young player and considered him yet another opponent. Donald birdied the first hole and won the fourth and fifth with birdies as well. Luke never really gave Matteo a chance to win a hole and was four under and four holes
up after the front nine. Reaching at five up after fives holes, Donald was struck by some of Manassero’s brilliance. The Italian player managed to win a couple of holes but it was Luke’s amazing performance that called it a day for both the players.
As for Matteo’s performance, Donald was impressed. He said that Matteo pushed him hard at the end by taking out players like Charl Schwartzel and Steve Stricker. Applauding Manassero, Donald said that he was no where ready to compete when he was seventeen,
hence Matteo is surely ahead of the curve.
Six feet tall Matteo is still studying, even though online, for his Turin high school diploma. Becoming a millionaire even before entering college, Matteo said he is still looking for more records to break.
As for the Match Play Championship, Donald went on to defeat Ryan Moore and hence reached the final round. Donald will be teeing off against new world number one player Martin Kaymer shortly.
Tags: