Living in Japan, I’ve had the pleasure of watching Ryo Ishikawa play regularly since he was around 15 years old. This year the world has gotten an introduction to Japan’s bashful prince with several invitations to some marquee PGA stops like the Masters and PGA Championship and culminating with the President’s Cup where he was a suprise captain’s pick by Greg Norman.
I have to admit when Norman picked Ishikawa I was excited but pretty concerned. Ishikawa had just turned 18 and while he has 4 wins in Japan this year, watching him week in and week out still shows signs of inconsistency and immaturity in his game. One week he can be the unbeatable bashful prince and the next the invisible prince. Which Ryo Ishikawa would show up ath the President’s Cup I thought? He didn’t exactly show he belonged in his few visits to the US earlier though he played repsectably. Well as most of you have already seen or read, after a few first day jitters he settled down a lot to show what many people are raving about in Japan, a sound swing, smooth putting stroke and a fearless mindset. In Japan he typically goes for shots other players can’t make and he makes them because of his immense golf talent but he also misses. The fact is he is daring enough to go for it which makes him stand out from others.
Watching him in his PGA appearances earlier this year showed a tentative and out of place Ishikawa, just happy to be there. The President’s Cup was different where Ishikawa, as part of an international team, stepped up wanting to win and contribute. He still has a long way to go but at his age, no one can doubt that he has had a great start to his young career. His game still will develop with experience but he definitely has the physical tools and talent and its just question of how he harnesses those tools. He showed glimpses of the future at the President’s cup with a 3-2 record and surprised many with his putting. A big part of his success was how comfortable his team mates made him feel as they accepted him with open arms and gave him the guidance and leadership he needed.
Two years ago I thought Japanese golf club maker Yonex took a big gamble signing Ishikawa to a 5 year $10 million dollar sponsorship deal based on hype. But it has turned out to be a worthy investment as Yonex sales for both clubs and golf wear have rocketed up the charts and can only continue to grow as Ishikawa does.
(Pictures courtesy of GDO)
Ryo Ishikawa Iron Swing Video:
Ryo Ishikawa Driver Swing Video:
He certainly proved his worth as a captain’s pick….. Japan should be very proud..
I look forward to seeing him doing big things in 2010.
I followed Ryo at the PGA tour event at Riviera this year. It was Thursday and his group was by far the largest. Must have been easily 50+ reporters from Japan following him and I’m not kidding. Not to mention, several hundred local Japanese nationals and Ryo was cool as a cucumber. I remember being very impressed with how composed he was. He definitely did not act like a teenager would. He’s the real deal and then some. Just needs a little more experience with the courses and then look out. If he comes and plays at a venue near you, he’s an absolute not-to-miss.