Five years ago, Matteo Manassero was labelled the new ‘Tiger Woods’ of the European Tour in becoming the youngest player to win on tour.
Now the crestfallen Italian is one round away from ending a three-year victory drought with success in the Scottish Open.
Manassero, 23 eagled the sixth and then birdied three holes in succession near the end of his third round to head to the final day’s play sharing second place at 10-under par in rain for much of the afternoon on Castle Stuart course near Inverness.
Sweden’s Alex Noren birdied his closing two holes in a round of 68 to move to 12-under par and two clear of Manassero and England’s Tyrrell Hatton who was four under after just three holes and also birdied his last two holes in a 66.
“To birdie the last and to go into tomorrow with a two shot was very nice,” said Noren.
Italian Matteo Manassero two shots from the lead and one round away from ending three-year Tour drought. (Photo – European Tour)
“All I was trying to do was put in a good round and then deal with the weather that rolled in but the good thing the course soaked-up the rain while other courses would have flooded.
“The thing is now that anyone who is six or seven under could shoot a good round, so I will be trying to do the same.
“But the hardest thing today was dealing with the late tee time but then I managed to kill some time watching that TV show, Curb Your Enthusiasm before getting to course the near lunch.”
Despite the steady rain the day’s play scoring was good with 24 eagles recorded on day three including eight at the shortened par four, third hole while there was 205 birdies.
Manassero became the youngest Tour winner first in 2010 at age 17 years and 188 days in winning the Castellon Masters and then became officially the second youngest 175 days later with victory in the 2011 Malaysian Open.
Five years ago Matteo Manassero becomes youngest winner on the European Tour capturing 2011 Castellon Masters. (Photo – European Tour)
The Verona-born golfer won a third title a year later and then in 2013 sealed success in the Tour’s flagship BMW PGA Championship and rise to a career high of No. 25 in the world two months later.
However, a downturn in his game has led to Manassero now being ranked No. 596th in the world and with his last top-10 being fourth in the 2014 Scottish Open at Royal Aberdeen.
“It’s exciting being up high on the leaderboard and with a chance of winning tomorrow, always exciting,” he said.
“I playing really well but then I am scrambling well and making some good escapes and that has been the key for these three days.
“So it’s even more exciting and I’m very happy, and looking forward to tomorrow.”
There is also the added incentive for Manassero and Hatton, along with South African Justin Walters, and the equal best third round of 65 to be sharing fourth place on four under par with New Zealand’s Danny Lee (70).
The top-four place-getters within the top-12 Scottish Open finishers, and not already exempt will earn a place into next week’s Open Championship.
It’s been three years since Manassero last contested The Open and he’s also excited at the prospect of teeing up at Royal Troon.
“It’s been on my mind in every tournament where there is spots available to qualify for The Open,” he said.
“I am trying not to put any extra pressure on myself but it’s something that if I play well tomorrow and I qualify, then I will delighted to go to Royal Troon.”
