Manassero cut record in jeopardy

Italian teenager Matteo Manassero’s record of not missing a cut as a professional is in jeopardy after he was given a two-stroke penalty following his first round in the 3 Irish Open at Killarney.

The 17-year-old, British amateur champion last year and 13th in The Open at Turnberry, signed for a one over par 72 when his opening bogey five was turned into a triple bogey seven for kicking some stones.

Manassero’s mistake was to do it before he had escaped from the rocky edge of Lough Leane.

Because he was still not out of the hazard after his first attempt touching or moving loose impediments was not allowed.

This is the fifth of the seven invitations Manassero is permitted as he tries to earn enough on the European Tour to avoid a trip to the qualifying school later in the year.

He has so far won just under £82,000, but may need to more than double that on his remaining starts.