If, one month before the 209 Open Championship at Turnberry, someone had told 16-year old Matteo Manassero that he would be teeing-up in golf’s most famous and historic event, he would have been reduced to laughter.  But it happened. Victory in the Amateur Championship at Formby gave the young Italian an unexpected exemption into the Open, where he was drawn to play the first two rounds alongside Sergio Garcia and five-time champion Tom Watson.  That week turned out to be ultimately disappointing for the 59-year old American when he lost out on a record-equalling sixth Claret Jug in a play-off with compatriot Stewart Cink. But for Manassero, the memories of two days spent in the company of a golfing legend will never fade. One in particular stands out.  The best part was that Tom gave me a high-five as I went to get my ball from the hole  “We were on the 16th green in the second round,” says the former PGA champion. “That is one of the toughest holes on the course but we both found the green with our approach shots.  “His finished maybe 40ft from the hole; mine was three inches inside his on the same line. I had to move my marker out of his way. Anyway, Tom made his putt and the crowd went crazy.  “That was tremendous enough. But I went on to make mine, too. The roar was unbelievable.  “But the best part was Tom gave me a high-five as I went to get my ball from the hole. He was great to play with, a huge inspiration to me at a time when I was very nervous.  “He is such a legend and such a nice person. He said so many good things and gave me such good advice after both rounds.  "But most of all I remember those putts on the 16th.”  For the chance to win a golfing minibreak at Royal Troon, visit www.facebook.com/MasterCardUK/videos  Discover more of MasterCard's greatest golfing moments
Two days in the company of Open golf legend Tom Watson and one long holed putt made a lasting impression on Italy's Matteo Manassero