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Matteo Manassero wins Silver Medal

Sixteen-year-old amateur Matteo Manassero capped an extraordinary week by shooting a one-under-par 69 in the British Open final round on Sunday.

“The last few weeks I’ve been playing good so I’m very happy about this experience,” the Italian teenager told reporters after finishing with a brilliant two-over-par total of 282.

“Today was a good round and I got to win the silver medal (for leading amateur). Special for me, it’s very good, a great achievement.”

Manassero, the youngest Open competitor in the modern era, secured his place in the third major of the year by winning the British amateur title last month.

His 4&3 final victory over Briton Sam Hutsby at Formby, England meant he became the youngest winner in the 124-year-old championship.

Manassero was as proud as punch of his all-round game at Turnberry but less pleased with his putting.

“From tee to green I played really straight,” he said. “Not the putter (though), absolutely not the putter.

“Today I holed a few putts but from tee to green was the best part.”

AC Milan fan Manassero, sporting the blue colours of Italy’s World Cup-winning soccer team, said no matter how much recognition he gained for his golfing exploits he would never be able to match his football counterparts.

“In Italy it is impossible,” he said. “Everyone speaks more about the football stars than every other sport.

“We are used to having football more than golf on TV. I support AC Milan … I like football, I love it.”

Manassero said five-times major champion Seve Ballesteros and former Ryder Cup player Costantino Rocca were the golfers he looked up to when he was a small boy.

“Seve was a true idol because he was different from the others,” he said.

Despite his sparkling display at the British Open, Manassero said he would resist the temptation to turn professional.

“No, I do not want to turn professional (now), in three years when I finish school,” said the teenager.

Other winners of the silver medal, like British world number 22 Rory McIlroy two years ago, have turned professional after achieving success at the British Open.

“I must finish school, it is important to me,” said Manassero.