Manassero turns pro for his Italian job

MATTEO MANASSERO, the player tipped to be Europe’s next golfing great, officially became a professional yesterday, two weeks after his 17th birthday and three days before he plays his home Italian Open.

Leading amateur both at The Open last July and The Masters a month ago, Manassero has become a stablemate of world number one Tiger Woods by joining the International Management Group (IMG).

The youngest player ever to win the British Amateur title said: “I feel ready to turn pro and am happy to play my first event as a professional in Italy.