In one of the biggest off-season coups Callaway Golf has added the name of four-time European Tour winner, Matteo Manassero to that of European No. 1 Henrik Stenson.

The 20-year old Italian-born Manassero had been with Titleist but will tee-up in this week’s $4m Volvo Champions event as a Callaway Golf staff player.

wJoining Bjorn this week is reigning BMW PGA champion, Matteo Manassero who is a big surprise has switched golf clubs to be now backed by Callaway.

“My Twitter account went crazy yesterday because I got announced as a Callaway player, so this week is going to be my first tournament with new clubs,” said the reigning BMW PGA Championship champion.

“It was quite a big change over the winter.

“I am really happy with the way things have been going and I am anxious to see how I perform in competition.  I will probably start with 14 clubs on Thursday and we will see then what suits my game.

“So I am pretty happy to be part of the Callaway team, and I already feel part of the team even though it’s only been a few days.”

Stenson last year created history in becoming the first-ever player to capture the FedEx Cup title and European No. 1 crown in the same season.

The very affable Swede was also named ‘European Tour Golfer of the Year’ by the Association of Golf Writers.

Matteo Manassero now a Callaway Golf staff player.