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

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

Not 17 until April 19th, Manassero is one of four teenagers playing in the Masters.

** HUNTER MAHAN produced a flawless round for the second consecutive day to win the Phoenix Open by a single stroke from rising talent Rickie Fowler.

Mahan made his move on the back nine with a pair of birdies and an eagle on the par-five 13th and after Fowler missed a birdie putt on the last, the 27-year-old’s second career PGA Tour title was assured.

Mahan was the only player not to card a bogey over the final 36 holes as he finished 16-under-par 268 following a six-under 65 .