| |
|
Canonica, mighty mite |
 |
|
Articles
published on the monthly magazine
Maximum Golf
(December/January 2001) |
|
| |
Emanuele Canonica, a.k.a.
"Little Hercules,"
is the longest and shortest player in Europe.
Cameron Morfit |
| |
Name:
Emanuele Canonica
Nickname: Ercolino
(Little Hercules)
Height: 5'2''
Weight: 184 pounds
Age: 29
Residence: Pavia,
Italy
Years on the European Tour:
Six
Known for: Crushing
it. He has led the tour in driving distance in 1999
and 2000, averaging 295,65 yards a pop over that
two-year span. He says of his length:"It's a God
blessing!" |
|
 |
Looks up to:
Ian Woosnam, the 1991 Masters champion from Wales, who
is two inches taller. "I've played with Woosy in a few
events. Right now I'm hitting it farther than he is."
Biggest weakness: "Look
at the statistic and check my putts-per-hole average"
(1.85, or 158th best in Europe).
Career highlights: Finished
third behind his hero, country-man Costantino Rocca, in
the 1995 Conte de Florence Italian Open. Beat Phil Mickelson
in sudden death in the 1996 Dunhill Cup at St. Andrews,
and edged Tom Lehman, 72-74, at the '99 Dunhill. "They
were surprised!".
Career low: "I once missed
a two-inch putt!".
Is Euro version of: John
Daly, who led the PGA Tour in driving distance in '99
with an average of 305.6-about 10 yards longer than Canonica.
How about a Little Hercules vs.
Big John Smackdown Grudge Match? "It would be a
lot of fun, and the audience would love it. Who knows?
Maybe some day we will be paired during an event, or at
the practice range before a tournament." (Canonica's agent,
Guido Callioni, says he actually proposed a match at the
1999 Irish Open, but Daly's people took a pass.)
What's next for Little Herc? "I'll play 28 events
in Europe this year. This winter I'll try to qualify for
a PGA Tour card. I want to play in the Usa!" |
|
|
