Majestic Manassero wins at Wentworth

On the European Tour, a 20-year-old Italian came through a play-off to win his fourth professional title and earn exemptions to the Open and US Open.

Matteo Manassero came through a four-hole play-off with Simon Khan and Marc Warren to become the youngest ever winner of the BMW PGA Championship.

Manassero has now won tournaments on the European Tour aged 17, 18, 19 and 20.

The four-time European tour champion started the week well, shooting 69 and 71 in tough conditions on Thursday and Friday to head into the weekend just outside the top five.

On Saturday, he birdied two and four to turn in 33 before a back nine 36 saw him complete round three in a tie for third on seven-under-par.

Lee Westwood stormed out of the blocks on Sunday, making birdies at two, three and four to take the lead on 11-under-par.

Manassero turned in 32, though, and a level par back nine was enough to get him into a play-off with Khan and Warren (10 under) after Westwood had imploded.

Warren – who was 11-under-par after 15 holes – found trees on the first extra hole, leaving Manassero and Khan, who both birdied the 18^th, to head back to the tee.

They shared pars the second time of asking and birdies at the third before taking on the 18^th for the fifth time of the day.

This time Manassero took driver, and Khan found himself a long way back after hitting three wood from the tee.

He mis-timed his approach and found water, and Manassero secured glory after hitting his approach to 30 feet and two-putting for the victory.

Talking points:

Only one in England?

England currently has three players inside the world’s top 10, but only one tournament is staged in England. This year, South Africa hosted six tournament and sponsors continue to profess the viability of hosting events in Asia. But is this shift detrimental to the overall strength of the tour?

Manassero’s mental strength  

Manassero impressed everyone with his steely determination and the way he controlled his emotions under the most stringent pressure. You can have all the talent in the world, but that won’t translate to meaningful success unless it’s complemented by mental fortitude. Marc Warren – who has now thrown away two tournaments in the space of a month – knows all about that. Manassero has it all, and, as such, many are predicting a major title in the not too distant future.

This week, the European Tour heads to Sweden for the Nordea Masters.