By this point, it’s almost fair to say Matteo Manassero has practically grown up golfing in the UAE.
The 21-year-old Italian played his first Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship tournament in 2010 – when he was 16.
He will, of course, be back in 2015 for a sixth try at the falcon trophy.
Manassero, the UAE golf ambassador, has developed into one of the most consistent players among the many who count as regulars at the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship and Dubai’s two annual tournaments.
In Abu Dhabi, he hasn’t finished lower than 37th in any of the last four years, shooting 4-under, 5-under, 10-under and 5-under in that span. His closest call to a win here came in 2011 when he finished tied for sixth and has found himself in the hunt at each tournament.
“Abu Dhabi really is like a second home to me. I have spent a lot of time in the emirate and love how the Championship throws up so many unexpected results year after year – it really is anyone’s trophy,” Manassero said in a press release as organisers gear up for the 2015 tournament, slated for January 15-18 at Abu Dhabi Golf Club.
Part of Manassero’s role as ambassador has been to encourage the growth of young Emirati participation in the sport, something he said in the release he relishes and that – given his age – he’s been ideally suited for.
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“Every time I visit Abu Dhabi I’m impressed by the growing numbers of junior golfers,” he said, adding that he hopes a win for him in the tournament would represent a symbolic win for the growth of the game in this country.
“I know that if I can take the title next year, I can inspire young players from across the emirate and that maybe we will see a young Emirati challenging for the Falcon Trophy in years to come.”
Manassero joins an announced headlining group for the tournament that includes Rory McIlroy, Martin Kaymer and Justin Rose.
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