Matteo Manessero Loves Asia!

Bangkok, Thailand April 19, 2011 — 2011 has been a wonderful year for Matteo Manassero, the Italian wonder kid, and it’s still only April. He has already played in the States, the Middle East, Europe and in Asia, and has just broken into the World’s top 50 by winning the Maybank Malaysian Open 2011 in Kuala Lumpur. He was one of the first pros to arrive at the KLGCC, and managed to play three times before the tournament started. His preparations obviously paid off with a winner’s cheque for Euros 288,465 as a reward for all his hard work. This was a huge victory, as he beat a top class field that included Martin Kaymer the world’s number one, Rory McIlroy and the new Masters champion Charl Schwartzel. This was Matteo’s second European Tour victory, and as number 36th in the World rankings he will now be travelling even more in the future. Another highlight in 2011 for Matteo came back in January, when he was part of Colin Montgomerie’s victorious European team to capture the Royal Trophy against a strong Asia team. Matteo said, “It was amazing. Nobody expected us to win, and everything went right from the beginning actually, and we were up after three holes right to the end. It was fantastic really!” “I enjoyed staying in Hua Hin and I liked Thailand a lot. Everyone there does not have any problems, and you don’t see anger in Thailand. Everyone is smiling and that’s what makes Thailand such a great place.” The Royal Trophy was held at Black Mountain Golf Club in Hua Hin, Thailand. “I think it is a good course,” said Matteo. “It was always in good condition and is a well shaped course and the greens are pure. The shape of a course is what makes a great course. It’s quite a long course but I enjoyed that week. The par 3 hole 11 there is fantastic, with the lake and it is one of the tougher holes there. I know Johan Edfors and a few of the other guys actual practice there in the winter and it is definitely a good idea.” Does the young Champion plan to keep Asia on your schedule in the future? “Yes definitely. I am a great fan of a worldwide tour, as you want to play in Europe, the States, the Middle East and here in Asia. If there is a chance of playing a Worldwide Tour that would be good. It is just a great experience.” Asia seems to agree with Matteo, as this is his second win here in four months. Martin Kaymer apparently made his first cut on the European Tour and received his first cheque way back in 2007 in KL. Are we perhaps looking at a future No 1 in Matteo Manassero as well? Black Mountain Golf Club is part of the Golf in a Kingdom experience offering golfers information on playing and staying in the kingdom of smiles, Thailand. For more information visit www.golfinakingdom.com