Abu Dhabi's record-breaking global golf ambassador, Matteo Manassero, is ready to inspire thousands of young golfers from across the U.A.E. during the 10th Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship next year from January 15 -18.
The youngest tournament winner in European Tour history, at 17 years and 188 days, Manassero, an Italian professional golfer, now 21, will take his sixth shot at Abu Dhabi's prestigious Falcon Trophy and a share of the US $2.7 million prize purse.
Now with four European Tour victories under his belt, Manassero is hoping to inspire the next generation of juniors golfers, en route to victory.
"Abu Dhabi really is like a second home to me. I have spent a lot of time in the emirate and love how the Championship throws up so many unexpected results year after year – it really is anyone's trophy," said Matteo.
"Nothing would mean more to me than lifting the Falcon Trophy at the Championship's 10th anniversary event and I am going to do everything in my power to make it happen." As the emirate's global golf ambassador, Manassero regularly visits the U.A.E. capital and even attributed his victory in the 2012 Barclays Singapore Open to a week of relaxation and practice on Abu Dhabi Golf Club's National course.
"Matteo is a fantastic ambassador for Abu Dhabi and junior golfers all over the world," said Sultan Al Dhaheri, Acting Executive Director Tourism, Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, which owns and organises the Championship.
Matteo joins world number one Rory McIlroy, three-time Abu Dhabi winner Martin Kaymer and Ryder Cup hero Justin Rose in the race for the coveted Falcon Trophy in 2015.
Source: WAM