Victorious 2012 Ryder Cup captain, José Maria Olazábal and reigning BMW PGA champion, Matteo Manassero, have both been honoured for their outstanding achievements at amateur level before turning professional.
Both players won the Amateur Championship at the superb Formby Golf Club in Lancashire – Olazábal in 1984 and Manassero 25 years later – and Honorary Life Memberships were bestowed on the pair at Castle Stuart by Formby Club Captain Tim Apel and Secretary Paul Duffy.
The Formby officials travelled to the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open to make the presentation to the two golfers who went into Formby folklore by winning Europe’s most prestigious Amateur title.
Olazábal, who still has a vivid memory of his victory over Colin Montgomerie in the 1984 final, joked: “I don’t think he’s ever forgiven me! He remember chipping in a couple of times against Monty while I think I had to come back from two down with three to play in a couple of the earlier rounds.
“I have very fond memories of Formby and winning the Amateur there. It’s a great golf course and the people were always very friendly. I will cherish this award of Life Membership.”
