Matteo Manassero wins 2009 Amateur Championship at Formby

Sixteen-year-old Matteo Manassero from Italy won the 2009 Amateur Championship at Formby, after beating England’s Sam Hutsby 4&3 in a 36-hole final.

Over 1,000 spectators witnessed the teenager become the youngest player to win The Amateur Championship at 16 years and two months, surpassing the previous record of 18 years and one month.

Manassero also became the first Italian to win the Championship in its 124-year history and only the third man to win the title having led the stroke play qualifying.   “I never imagined once that I could win this tournament; I’m shocked. It’s unbelievable!” said Manassero from Verona, who finished 19th at last month’s Italian Open.

“I think everyone in Italy knows about it already, and I hope it helps with amateur golf there.  To be the first Italian, wow, that is something very special.”

The match was won on the 33rd hole when the Italian holed a three-foot putt, after Hutsby had rallied to win with birdies on 31 and 32, but the result was never in doubt.

Manassero will now accept invitations to both The Open Championship this July, and next April’s Masters Tournament.   The 2010 Amateur Championship will be hosted by Muirfield and North Berwick on June 14-19.  

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