Happy memories for Manassero

Matteo Manassero is set to return to the site of his audacious first European Tour victory 12 months ago.
Matteo Manassero is set to return to the site of his audacious first European Tour victory 12 months ago.
The Italian is ready to defend his Castello Masters title at Club de Campo del Mediterráneo in Valencia, Spain, this week, and still has very fond memories of his incredible victory last year, which came at the ripe old age of 17 years and 188 days and well and truly announced his presence on the world stage.
Though he had given notice of his talent before by winning British Amateur Championship and claiming the Silver Medal at The Open Championship, it was his victory in Spain that really cemented his repuation as one of the most promising young golfers around, as he displayed a maturity seemingly far beyond his years.
To underline that fact, he promptly won again in April of this year at the Maybank Malaysian Masters, more than justifying being named the 2010 Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year.
Currently he sits in a very respectable 20th on the Race to Dubai, and he can’t help but reflect on how far he’s come.
“Everything has changed,” he told the European Tour website. “Last year was very special for me because it was my first victory. Then I won in Malaysia, got into the top 50 and everything changed.”
The last four months or so have been fairly quite for the 18-year-old, with his last top-10 finish coming back in June, and he’s hoping that a return to the site of his famous victory a year ago will help bring about an upturn on his recent form.
“It’s been a difficult summer,” he added. “I’m improving my swing, making changes but I’m happy striking the ball.
“Next year I will play in Europe. I’ll play some competitions in the US at the beginning of the season but I’m comfortable playing in Europe for now. Winning again is always a dream, I’ve got experience now. It would be great if I can win again in Castellón.”
Latest
-
News
Rory McIlroy on latest near-miss in Abu Dhabi: ‘I don’t feel like I played great’
McIlroy avoids mentioning final-round blues but admits he needs to get more consistent.
-
News
Tyrrell Hatton eyes Ryder Cup spot after winning Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship
Hatton carded a closing 66 to finish 18 under par.
-
News
Tyrrell Hatton wins Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship as Rory McIlroy misses out
Australia’s Jason Scrivener recorded an eagle and five birdies in a back nine of 29 to claim second place.
-
News
Rory McIlroy leads the way in Abu Dhabi as he eyes overdue victory
McIlroy will have to keep his Ryder Cup team-mates at bay if he is to claim the trophy.
-
News
Tyrrell Hatton dominant as Rory McIlroy falters in Abu Dhabi
Hatton led by five shots at the end of a second weather-affected day.
-
News
Phil Mickelson on Tiger’s latest surgery: ‘I feel bad because golf should be a game of a lifetime’
Mickelson admitted he was saddened by the news of Woods’ latest back surgery.
-
News
Rory McIlroy makes brilliant start to fog-affected Abu Dhabi Championship
McIlroy has a remarkable record in Abu Dhabi with four second-place finishes.
-
News
Rory McIlroy shines in Abu Dhabi to take first-round lead following flawless 64
McIlroy has a remarkable record in Abu Dhabi with four second-place finishes, three thirds and a fifth in his last nine starts, but has never won.
-
News
Justin Thomas on end of Ralph Lauren deal: ‘They moved on so that’s what I’m doing as well’
Justin Thomas said he was upset by...
-
News
My last win feels a long time ago – Rory McIlroy aiming to start year on a high
McIlroy has not tasted victory since November 2019.