Rory McIlroy has been the trailblazer for an exciting new generation of golfers on the major championship scene, with his near miss at Augusta and then his runaway US Open triumph.
This week at Royal St George’s Italian teenager Matteo Manassero could be about to follow the Northern Irishman’s lead.
As a raw 16-year-old he produced flashes of brilliance on his way to claiming the Silver Medal for leading amateur at Turnberry.
Since then he has become the youngest ever winner on the European Tour at the Castello Masters, and has followed it up with title number two in this year’s Malaysian Open.
Big things are also expected of Ryo Ishikawa, and USPGA champion Martin Kaymer may seem like a veteran in their company but at 26 he’s still a pup in golfing terms.
A changing of the guard has begun.
Manassero said, “I think golf is becoming a young man’s game.
“That is the direction it is heading and I am glad about it.
“There are a lot of young guys playing well all over the world.”‘Higher expectations’Golfing greatness may beckon, but the boy from Verona still has his school exams to complete. That will happen in a couple of months.
But he won’t be hitting the books this week as he’s a genuine contender for the Claret Jug and the Open will be commanding his full attention.
Manassero said, “I have my exams in September and next year I will be finished.
“I think I will be more nervous on the first tee than in an exam. If you study and prepare you can pass exams, but you never know what can happen on the golf course.”
He added, “I have higher expectations now than at Turnberry and a lot more experience as a professional.
“It is a different situation this time but my first one was very good experience.
“It was amazing playing with Tom Watson. Like everyone I wanted him to win and there was a great moment when it looked like he was going to do it.”
Manassero said, “I’ve always enjoyed playing links golf since the first time I played it.
“I have learned a lot about how to play well but I would not say I am an expert yet. I still have a lot to learn.
“Like everyone says about it, you have to adapt your game and strategy.”