"You have to love Manassero."
/There's been quite a bit of chatter about Matteo Manassero's second pre-18th birthday win and most of it focuses on his lack of length off the tee. Naturally, I could use this opportunity to rant about how the game has become so power-lopsided that it's sad the game could potentially discriminate against a skilled but distance-deficient player from winning majors, but instead I'll leave it to John Huggan and Steve Elling to discuss what Matteo should do in another lively Pond Scrum.
Huggan: You have to love Manassero. He's the youngest-ever winner on the European Tour and now he's the second-youngest too. All before his 18th birthday, which is tomorrow. He's got it all, it seems. Except one thing and that will come: distance off the tee. I looked this morning and he is ranked 178th in driving on the ET. That's not a recipe for success on courses in the 7,300-yard range. Significantly, both of his wins so far have come on courses measuring less than 7,100.
Elling: He can finally get his Italian driver's license on Tuesday. He was being driven around in Florida by his dad and his Irish caddie. It was downright funny. That kid can flat play, period, and it's shocking that he is so young. I must have spoken with him 5-6 times when he was playing the Florida Swing because he was on the Masters bubble and trying to get in. Incredibly mature. Well, he's looking good for the Masters in 2012, isn't he?
Huggan: Great smile though. Lovely teeth. Great accent. And you have to like someone who loves Seve as much as he claims to.
Elling: He won Sergio's tourney late last year and this is what Garcia told me in Tampa: "Great kid, wonderful player. He is just very consistent, good short game. He doesn't miss a lot of shots. He could do with a little more distance, but the way he plays is fine. It would be nice if he could hit it farther, but ...."
Huggan: He's up to 33rd in the world ranking, so it's safe to assume we'll see him in the next three majors. I think he'll bulk up in the next couple of years, too. We'll be calling him the next Seve by 2013.
Elling: Garcia also added: "But I hope that he doesn't try to change his game to try to hit it farther. It could be a problem." Plenty have tried to muscle up, and it's hurt their games. I am typing these words and laughing, but Sergio is right. Sergio, correct? Yeah, I said it.
Huggan: The bulking up will happen naturally. No intent required.
Elling: Best of all, he has a charisma and charm that is not forced. He already speaks English better than half the Ryder Cup team. Either side.