Matteo Manassero of Italy, at 16 was the youngest player to ever be invited to the Masters Tournament, which was in itself amazing, but he then beat out 60 other participants, to make the cut after the first two rounds, tying eight others at a Tie for 40th at 3 over par with a 71 and 76 = 147.

Today, Matteo shot a 73 and 72 for a 145 for a grand total of 292, a 4 over par,  and good for 36th place, finishing 12  places ahead of those that made the Cut. 

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Whatever the high school equivalent of “show and tell’’ is in Italy, Matteo Manassero will bring quite a story back with him.
The 16-year-old schoolboy from Verona can show off the sterling silver cup given to the low amateur at the Masters, which he’s guaranteed to become today. He can tell about staying in the famed Crow’s Nest, of playing a practice round with Tom Watson, and proving that a teenager with big dreams can achieve some of them, even against the finest golfers in the world, when given a chance.
In Manassero’s case, he’s the one who created the opportunity. Based on what he’s accomplished the past 10 months, his favorite subject would have to be history.
“I never expected this,’’ he said. “I dreamed about being here, but never expected that I’d have the possibility to play in these events at 16.’’
Soaking up an experience that not even three back-nine bogeys could sour, Manassero had a hard time wiping the smile off his face yesterday. He shot 73, following rounds of 71-76, and his 54-hole total of 4 over par has him well off the lead, tied for 38th. But the simple fact that he’s here, playing in the Masters as its youngest competitor ever, and displaying the skills and maturity of someone years older, is turning plenty of heads.
“I think he’s got a big future,’’ Lee Westwood said earlier in the week. “There’s not many weaknesses. He’ll be around for a long time.’’
Perhaps, but his amateur days are numbered. Manassero will become a professional next month — he turns 17 on April 19 — and will make his for-pay debut in front of the paisans at the Italian Open. He plans on completing his schooling either online or with the help of a tutor, and said he has the support of his family.
He’s sought advice from others who made the leap at a young age, including Rory McIlroy, the 20-year-old from Northern Ireland who turned pro two years ago and is ranked 11th in the world.
“He said if I feel ready, there’s no problem trying to do that,’’ Manassero said.
He sounds sure of himself, but if he had been on the fence, his performance this past week has confirmed to Manassero that he’s ready.
“I’m comfortable playing with these guys, I’m playing OK, so I think I’m ready,’’ he said.
It’s been a whirlwind year for the teen. He became the youngest winner in British Amateur history by nearly two years — and the first Italian champion — by winning at Formby last June. A month later, playing in his first major championship at the British Open, Manassero overcame his nerves and finished in a 13th-place tie, earning low amateur honors.
That showing at Turnberry might have been a surprise. This one at Augusta National isn’t, despite it being a golf course that typically treats first-timers rather harshly. He’s kept up length-wise with everybody else and shown the ability to save par from tough spots around the undulating greens.
Kids his age usually worry about tests, flirting, and getting a driver’s license. And while he has other interests — “soccer, relaxing’’ — Manassero has been on the fast track toward a golf career since he began playing at 3.
That’s not to say he’s consumed with the sport. Asked after his third round if he’d watch a Spanish Premier League soccer match later in the afternoon, his eyes lit up.
“What channel is it?’’ he said. “Yes, I’ll watch.’’ 
http://www.boston.com/sports/golf/articles/
2010/04/11/student_passing_the_test/

The ANNOTICO Reports Can be Viewed (With Archives) on:
[Formerly Italy at St Louis]