Matteo is a Major winner in the making

Matteo Manassero has quickly become one of golf’s serial record breakers.

The youngest player to win the British Amateur Championship. The youngest-ever winner on the European Tour at 17. The first teenager to win three times on Tour. So, it was no surprise that he broke another one last Sunday when he usurped me as the youngest ever winner of the BMW PGA Championship.

I was watching at home on TV and I didn’t even realise that my record was under threat until it was mentioned by one of the commentators! But Matteo is worthy of it. He is a prodigious talent who looks destined for the very top.

I remember following him as an amateur at The Open at Turnberry in 2009. He was only 16 and was playing with Tom Watson, who came so close to that memorable victory. The Italian youngster was not overawed at all. What struck me was how composed and comfortable he looked in those surroundings. He finished that week in an impressive 13th place.

Now he’s turned 20 and to have won four times by that age is a great achievement. He has won in each of the last four years, so that shows how he’s developing. But last Sunday’s triumph at Wentworth was a big stride forward. To win the European Tour’s flagship event on a tough course against a strong field will do wonders for his confidence.

Young Matteo’s biggest strength is his temperament. He isn’t a power hitter like Tiger Woods or Rory McIlroy. He gets round the course by using his brain and relying on a strong short game.

As he gets a bit older, he’ll get stronger naturally, so he must resist the need to go looking for an extra 50 yards off the tee. Plus, he’s a good learner. In 2011 in the same event, he played in the final game on the Sunday and fell away.

He used that experience positively and when he got in a position to win this time, he finished off the job.

His victory last week was a great boost for the European Tour after a difficult week. Matteo is a star in the making and I just hope that he stays on our Tour for a few more years before he’s eventually enticed to play in America.

He could have the same impact on Italy as Seve Ballesteros had for Spanish golf.

Some people have hinted at similarities but Seve was a more flamboyant and controversial figure on the course, who couldn’t hide what he was feeling. But Matteo could certainly emulate Seve as a Major winner. This month’s US Open at Merion is probably too soon for him, but he might feel more comfortable at Muirfield for our Open.

The secret is to get yourself in contention, because although you might not win at the first time of asking, you know what’s required next time. However, don’t rule him out as good things seem to follow Matteo around.

I’m sure Paul McGinley will have Manassero pencilled in for the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles next September. It’s impossible to imagine the European team without him. And he could well turn up in Scotland as our No. 1 player. He currently leads the Race to Dubai, and he’ll be aiming to stay there.