16-year-old Japanese golf prodigy Ryo Ishikawa has become a professional golfer; he made the announcement last Thursday (Jan 10).
Ishikawa shocked the golfing world in 2007 when he becomes the youngest golfer to win a Japanese male tournament by winning the Munsingwear Open in May. He can now add another record to his bag… as the youngest pro in Japanese golf history.
The 16-year-old has become a sensation in Japan after winning the Musingwear trophy, with large crowds following him around at every tournament he plays. He got a nickname from his fans, hanikami oji (bashful prince) for his soft-spoken manner and cute looks.
Ryo Ishikawa (石川 遼), a 15-year-old Japanese school boy, has become the youngest person to win a major golf tournament in Japan.
Ishikawa with his red winner’s jacket
(Image courtesy of
Dailytelegraph)
Ishikawa earned the red winner’s jacket of the Munsingwear Open on Sunday; and to make his victory more impressive… it was his first competition in a professional tour.
Ishikawa set a new record as the youngest person to win a Japanese male tournament, previously held by Spanish world golf hall of famer Severiano Ballesteros, who won the 1977 Japan Open at the age of 20.
The Japanese media are crazed about their new teenage star; some even compared Ishikawa to Tiger Woods, Ishikawa’s idol and the world’s most famous golfer.
Hope that this is not a one hit wonder; it would be great to see a world class golfer from Asia.
[Update] Ishikawa turns pro in January 2008.
