The youngest ever Amateur champion, Matteo Manassero, is looking forward to trying to guide Italy to the European Team title in Conwy this week.
Click here to watch video interview with Matteo Manassero.
The 16-year-old showed nerves of steel in taking the Amateur title at Formby two weeks ago, beating England’s Sam Hutsby in the final, but is ready for his next challenge of trying to add team success to his individual honours.
Winning the Amateur means he is set to play in the Open Championship in Turnberry next month, as well as getting a place in the Masters in Augusta next year.
“It has been a great two weeks after that good victory,” he said, speaking after a practice round on the tough links course at Conwy.
“I took a rest and now I am ready to play this wonderful tournament, the European team championship, with my team Italy.
“There has been a lot of attention at home in Italy, a lot of congatulations – it was funny.
“It was a great feeling to win, I hope this feeling can stay for a long time.
“We have a good team and a good chance here. We can do third place and maybe more with a bit of luck. We can win it, of course.”
Playing a difficult links course could be the perfect preparation for Manassero as he gets ready to take on Turnberry along with Tiger Woods and Co.
“I am preparing for the Open in three weeks as well. It is an unbelievable thing to be getting ready to play in the British Open, but this could be good preparation for that,” he said.
“It is a very good course, it is not easy. Maybe the heavy rain of Saturday makes it a little bit soft, but it is still tough.
“16,17 and 18 are a good finish. To win this tournament all the players have to do a good strokeplay and then follow that in the matchplay.”
With a growing reputation for fearless golf, Manassero will be a tough opponent in the matchplay stages as he tries to guide Italy to victory in an event where they have only ever won once – twice losing in the final.