Austin and Sergio – 18 years on

When 21 year old Austin Connelly was paired with Sergio Garcia for the third round of the Italian Open, it was time for his parents to delve into their family photo album to find a picture that shows just how far the Canadian has come in the game of golf...

The above image, which his mother Bridget Connelly shared on her Twitter page following the second round at Golf Club Milano, was unsurprisingly soon going viral.

Indeed, Garcia and European Ryder Cup Captain Thomas Bjørn were amongst the masses soon commenting on the nostalgic photograph.

The fantastic picture was taken back in 1999 ahead of the Spaniard making his professional debut at the Byron Nelson Classic, where he shot a 62 in his first round as a pro.

In it, Garcia was just 19 years old while toddler Austin was only three.

So much has changed since then with Garcia now a Major Champion and golfing icon, and Connelly a rising star on the European Tour, with a top 15 finish at the Open Championship already on his CV.

Although Moving Day at Golf Club Milano didn’t provide the scores they might have wished - Connelly carding a 72 and Garcia a 70, it was a day to remember for Texas-born Austin, who cherished the experience of playing alongside one of his idols 18 years after originally meeting him as a toddler.

"It’s a shame I didn't play my best today," said Connelly.

"But it was still a very enjoyable round for me. It was just really spectacular that I was able to play with Sergio. It's really important to learn from guys like him, especially in these rounds where everything doesn't go your way."

Sergio also enjoyed the experience, and reflected on the round with Sky Sports' Tim Barter alongside his playing partner for the day.

To sum up what had been a great story, the pair even re-created their picture from 18 years ago in the recording area!