Fresh from the biggest victory of his career to date, Matteo Manassero is targeting the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open at Castle Stuart Golf Links from July 11-14 as one of the most important titles on his summer schedule.
The 20 year old Italian became the youngest winner of the PGA Championship after his thrilling play-off victory over Marc Warren and Simon Khan at Wentworth last month, marking somewhat of a watershed in an already formidable young career.
Having burst into the golfing limelight by winning the Amateur Championship and then the Silver Medal for leading Amateur at The Open in 2009, Manassero joined The European Tour following year, becoming its youngest winner at the 2010 CASTELLÓ MASTERS Costa Azahar. He won the Maybank Malaysian Open in 2011 and the Barclays Singapore Open last year to become the first teenager to win three times on Tour.
As Manassero defeated Khan and Warren over extra holes at Wentworth, the world saw a new, mature version of one of Europe’s most prodigious talents. Tall and ever more athletic, the Italian has become a young man who is hungry for further success.
“Winning at Wentworth was a big moment for me,”said Manassero, who finished in a tie for 36th place at Castle Stuart last year.
“It was the biggest win so far of my career and winning such an important tournament gives me a lot of belief going into the summer.
“You look at the history of the PGA and the great players who have won it and realise how big a step that could be in your career. All of that gives me great confidence for the summer.
“I just have to try and stay focussed on what I am doing and try to win tournaments. The Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open is one of the biggest events on The European Tour Schedule and one that I would love to win, especially on a links course like Castle Stuart.”
The Italian challenge for the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open title promises to be a formidable one, with Manassero being joined in the field by the Molinari brothers – Edoardo, a former winner of the title at Loch Lomond – and Francesco, who was edged out by defending champion Jeev Milkha Singh of India after a play-off at Castle Stuart last year.
A season ticket to see the trio of top Italians, Phil Mickelson, Padraig Harrington, Paul Lawrie and many of The European Tour’s biggest stars at the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open can be bought for £70 in advance of the tournament, a saving of £10 on admission at the gate. Adult day tickets are currently priced at £30, rising to £35 on the gate.
Concessions (60 and over) start at £50 for a season ticket and £20 for any one day tickets if purchased in advance. Under-16s accompanied by an adult are admitted free of charge and all car parking is also free.
Entrance to the Pro-Am on Wednesday is £12 in advance and £15 on the day.
Reserved grandstand seating can also be purchased immediately for the Saturday (£10) and the Sunday (£15) of the event. Hospitality packages are also available.
