Sixteen year old Italian Matteo Manassero has confirmed he will turn professional after becoming the youngest-ever player in the Masters Tournament at Augusta National next month.

The reigning British Amateur Champion, who finished a brilliant 13th in The Open last July, said at a golf show in his home town Verona that he will make his professional debut at the BMW Italian Open in Turin on May 6-9.

Donato di Ponziano,  President of the BMW Italian Open Organising Committee, said: “The fact that Matteo will be playing for the first time as a profesisonal is a huge boost for the BMW Italian Open. We consider Matteo to be one of the most promising young sportsmen in our country and Royal Park I Roveri and the BMW Italian Open will be important examinations for him. We are all looking forward to seeing him in Turin in May.”