The RBC Canadian Open has already served fans with exciting plays and surprise exits. Grand Slam winner Rory McIlroy exited the tournament after a forgettable second round. However, the tournament has also provided a surprise storyline that not many have taken note of—and this storyline, unlike others, is deeply personal..
Matteo Manassero’s Incredible Beginning and Fall
Matteo Manassero was widely tipped to be the next big thing in golf when he made the cut at the 2010 Masters at just 16 years old, becoming the youngest player to achieve the feat. A few months earlier, Manassero finished T-13 at The Open. Manassero also became the youngest winner ever on the DP World Tour, winning twice at just 17. He rose all the way to 25th in the world rankings when he was just 20 years old.
Manassero’s game fell apart just when it appeared like the sky was the limit for him. He battled swing changes and confidence issues. He missed cuts, lost his card, and faded from the spotlight. At one point, his world ranking plummeted to 1,805th.
How Manassero Worked His Way Back to the Top
Manassero could have walked away from the game after his struggles; however, he hit the reset button by taking a break. The 32-year-old cleared his head and started all over again. When he returned, he started on a low-key note, grinding on the Alps Tour and the Challenge Tour. It was humbling for him, but he stuck with it as he aimed to work his way back to the top.
At one point, he called fellow Italian Francesco Molinari for advice. That call sparked a change in the 32-year-old and went to work to rebuild his swing in 2019. He revamped his fitness and improved his mental game sharper. Although the results didn’t come instantly, Manassero remained patient.
His comeback started to take shape last year after he won twice on the Challenge Tour. Then, in March, he broke an 11-year win drought with his fifth career DP World Tour victory. It was a huge moment. His comeback is now in full swing as he finds himself co-leading the RBC Canadian Open. Manassero hopes he can secure his first-ever PGA TOUR victory. He’s 32, but he’s swinging it like the teenage star that was tipped for the top.
No matter how this week ends, Manassero’s personal story will certainly inspire many. He fought through the kind of slump that ends careers, but he refused to quit. He rebuilt himself and earned his spot back. And now, golf fans everywhere will be watching to see if this incredible surprise storyline gets one more chapter—a win at the RBC Canadian Open.
Main Photo Credit: © Michael Madrid-Imagn Images
