Matteo Manassero’s first hole in one as a professional helped swell the funds for the two Official Charities at the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open at Castle Stuart Golf Links.
The young Italian aced the 216 yard eighth hole on his way to a third round 70 and seven under par total of 209. And to recognise his achievement, Aberdeen and the Tour Players Foundation – the charitable arm of The European Tour – donated the sum of £216 to the tournament ‘Birdie Pledge’ which is raising funds for the charities, Maggie’s Highlands and Connecting Carers.
With £5 being donated for every birdie, £10 for every eagle and £50 for every albatross by both Aberdeen and the TPF, the superb, sunny weather has now seen the week-long total of sub-par figures escalate to the stage where over £16,000 has been raised through the initiative.
By 5pm on Saturday, a total of 1518 birdies had been made on the fabulous Castle Stuart links, producing £15160 for the charities, accompanied by 56 eagles – of which Manassero’s ace was one – contributing £1120 for a grand total of £16,300, which increased to £16,516 with the £216 from that one outstanding shot.
The feat was also recognised by The European Tour, who presented Manassero with a jeroboam of Laurent-Perrier champagne. However, had the 2013 BMW PGA Champion achieved his ace at the 168 yard 11th he would have been rewarded even more spectacularly – the prize is 168 bottles of ‘bubbly’, one for every yard of the hole!
He said: “It’s nice to make my first hole in one as a professional, although it was my third in total. I am very happy to make a contribution to the tournament charities and know that it will help those worthy causes.”
