Boo Weekley, Matteo Manassero earn U.S. Open exemptions

Boo Weekley won more than his first PGA Tour victory in five years with his triumph at last week’s Crowne Plaza Invitational. The 39-year-old Floridian also played his way into next month’s U.S. Open at Merion Golf Club.

Weekley and Matteo Manassero, who last week became the youngest winner of the European Tour’s flagship BMW PGA Championship, were among 26 additional golfers to earn full exemptions into the 2013 Open, slated for June 13-June 16 on the the 101-year-old East Course in Ardmore, Pa.

With the top 60 in the Official World Golf Rankings as of May 27 eligible for the men’s second major of the season, Weekley rocketed 56 positions to No. 55, thanks to his one-stroke win over Matt Kuchar at Colonial on Sunday. Manassero punched his ticket by outlasting Simon Khan on the fourth playoff hole at England’s Wentworth Club.

Among those also making the cut for the Open were anchoring litigant Tim Clark, 2011 Open runner-up Jason Day, and 2012 European Ryder Cup hero Ian Poulter. The numbers of fully exempt golfers may increase, depending on the OWGR standings as of June 10.

Manassero’s win, at 20 years and 37 days, got him more than a place in history and a tee time at Merion. The young Italian also received the praise of many, including the world No. 2, who missed the PGA Championship cut.

Manassero, also the youngest golfer to win on the Euro Tour when he chalked up the 2010 Castellon Masters, appreciated the comments of Rory The Elder, a ripe old man of 24.

“I’m happy he wrote that tweet. He is a bit older than me, I guess,” he told Bernie McGuire with a smile. “But I am happy he wrote something and something nice like that.

”I have so much respect for Rory and I have been saying this for a few years now but he has the best game, and the most talented player out here and he achieves so much and I am just happy he tweeted something nice.”