Three Italians are playing in Dubai this week and all three are off to a smashing start today in round one of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic. Elder Molinari, Edoardo shot a four-under-par 68 that gave him part of a six-way tie for the lead and just one back is another Italian... but this time it's not little bro Francesco.
Sharing a five-way T7 with Alvaro Quiros among others, is 16-year-old amateur Matteo Manassero. You may remember young Mr. Manassero from his victory in the 2009 British Amateur. That win secured the teen a ticket to Augusta National and he'll be the youngest player ever to play in The Masters this year.
And as for the Jr. Molinari, Francesco, he's not languishing either. His first-round finish at -1 puts him in the top twenty too, tied with 12 other players, including such onerous adversaries as Martin Kaymer.
It's just the first round, but in an formidable field of international stars the Italians are definitely shining brightly.
Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images Europe
I had the pleasure of attending the BMW Italian Open in 2006 at Castello di Tolcinasco when Francesco Molinari won as the youngest ever to win the tournament. The fans went crazy! It was an experience I'll never forget. I'm glad to see the Molinari brothers doing so well.
ReplyDeleteThe thing that's impressive about Matteo Manassero is his T12 at the Open Championship last summer. That's pretty crazy.
ReplyDeleteLove the photo. Golf in the Olympics is going to be great!!
ReplyDeleteMatteo is going to play in the Masters at 16 !?!? How's that even possible? He must be extremely mature for his age.
ReplyDeleteNo doubt about it. Golf gets better when you add lots of different nationalities.
ReplyDelete