World No. 1 Rory McIlroy is new European Tour No. 1 and the youngest in 36 years after finishing third in the Barclays Singapore Open.
McIlroy has 19-year old Italian sensation Matteo Manassero to thank in adding the Race to Dubai to his PGA Tour No. 1 crown after Manassero defeated Louis Oosthuizen to capture the prestigious Singapore event.
A pespiratioin soaked Italy’s Matteo Manassero creates European Tour history in becoming the first teenager to win three times in the Tour’s 40-year history. (Photo – Jenny Matthews/www.golffile.ie)
Manassero achieved that goal in winning with an eagle at the third extra play-off hole on the Sentosa Resort course to also become the only teenager in the 40-year history of the European Tour win three events.
McIlroy was making his way to nearby Changi Airport when he learnt he’d been become the youngest player since Seve Ballesteros in 1976 to become European No. 1.
“It really is hugely satisfying to finally become the European Number One, especially after finishing second two of the last three years”, he said.
“It has always been one of my goals to become Number One in Europe ever since securing my Tour card five years ago, but then to also end the year as both European and PGA Tour number one is just amazing.”
“I feel so proud and humbled to join so many fabulous names in Europe who have won the order of merit”.
“And to be able to accomplish this goal with still two events remaining on the Race to Dubai schedule means that I can head to my UBS Hong Kong Open defence and the DP World Championship Dubai without that added pressure and just really enjoy my golf”.
“Winning a second Major Championship already made it a fabulous season, but then to follow Luke Donald in becoming Number One in both Europe and the States is the icing on the cake after a fabulous season.”
Fortunately, Singapore’s stormy monsoon season stayed calm as the weekend of the $6m was stoppage free.
Mlroy ended his third round mid-Sunday morning with a 69 to move into a share of 13th place at four under par and seven shots behind Manassero.
After a short break the World No. 1 then muscled his way up the board to a share of fifth with four birdies in 15 holes before hitting a 248-yard 5-wood to 30 feet at the last, and then bringing spectators to their feet in holing the eagle putt.
Manassero had missed an eagle putt in regulation while Oosthuizen missed a short birdie putt at the second extra hole for victory that would have ensured McIlroy’s Race to Dubai title chase continued for another week.
McIlroy still has a goal of winning before the years out but having now wrapped-up both money list titles he’s already looking ahead to 2013.
“I set myself a number of ambitious goals at the start of the year, and to have ticked so many of the boxes feels great,” said McIlroy.
“I’ve got a healthy lead in the World Rankings, but with so many very good players on both sides of the Atlantic it will not be a time to be resting on my laurels.
“My goal is to push on in the New Year”.
