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Matteo Manassero stands as one of golf's most remarkable young talents, an Italian professional who rewrote the record books before his 18th birthday. Born in Negrar, Italy in 1993, Manassero has experienced the ultimate rollercoaster journey from teenage sensation to seasoned competitor fighting his way back to the top. After struggling through several difficult seasons, he triumphantly returned to the European Tour winner's circle in 2024, capturing his first victory in over a decade.
Manassero's ascent began with a stunning 2009 British Amateur Championship victory at just 16, making him the youngest winner in the tournament's history. This triumph earned him a spot at The Open Championship, where he made the cut and claimed the Silver Medal as leading amateur, finishing tied for 13th alongside legends like Tom Watson and Sergio García.
Turning professional in May 2010, Manassero wasted no time making history. His first European Tour victory came at the Castelló Masters Costa Azahar, where he won by four strokes to become the youngest-ever European Tour winner at 17. He followed this with wins at the Malaysian Open and Singapore Open, becoming the first teenager to capture three European Tour titles.
After years of struggle that saw him drop down to the Alps Tour, Manassero has fought his way back through the Challenge Tour, earning his return to the European Tour and claiming his fifth title at the 2024 Jonsson Workwear Open.
The 2013 BMW PGA Championship Playoff: With darkness approaching at Wentworth, Manassero found himself in a four-hole playoff battle. After Marc Warren was eliminated on the first extra hole, the young Italian faced Simon Khan in sudden death. On the fourth playoff hole, Manassero's approach shot set up a crucial birdie putt that he confidently rolled home, securing the biggest victory of his career.
Youngest European Tour Winner (2010): At the Castelló Masters Costa Azahar, 17-year-old Manassero won by four strokes, becoming the youngest-ever European Tour winner. This historic achievement announced his arrival as one of golf's brightest young stars.
The Comeback Trail (2020-2024): After making just six cuts in 22 starts during his 2015 struggles, Manassero openly discussed his "deep lows" with golf media. His journey back through the lower tours, including a 2020 Alps Tour victory and two 2023 Challenge Tour wins, showcased remarkable mental fortitude and determination.
Standing 6 feet tall with a smooth, technically sound swing developed under club professional Franco Maestroni at Gardagolf Country Club, Manassero combines Italian flair with methodical course management. His ability to perform under pressure, evidenced by his perfect 2-0 playoff record, has made him a fan favorite.
His early success inspired a generation of young European golfers to believe that age is just a number in professional golf. His journey from prodigy to struggler to comeback champion has made him one of golf's most compelling stories, demonstrating that resilience matters as much as raw talent.
Now 31 and competing on both the PGA and European Tours, Manassero has evolved from boy wonder to seasoned professional. His 2024 victory in South Africa proved that his best golf may still lie ahead.
As a touring professional at his home club Gardagolf, he continues to inspire young Italian golfers while building on a legacy that already includes being the youngest winner of multiple prestigious tournaments. Manassero's story serves as both inspiration and cautionary tale - a reminder that early success requires sustained dedication to maintain.
Matteo Manassero appears as one of the mystery athletes in PlaySportiz, our daily sports guessing game. Players must deduce their identity using six key clues that reveal information about their career and achievements. With their distinctive profile combining record-breaking early success, European Tour victories, and dramatic comeback story, Manassero presents a challenging but rewarding puzzle for golf fans.
Test your sports knowledge at PlaySportiz - can you guess the mystery athlete using just six clues? With golfers like Manassero in our database, every day brings a new challenge for sports fans worldwide.
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