The tournament... and the top spot on the Japan Golf Tour money list... will be decided over the next two days, and Ryo Ishikawa, currently second in the money rankings, must win Sunday at Tokyo Yomiuri Country Club, in order to overcome Korea's Kim Kyung-tae and become Japan Golf Tour's leading money winner for the second consecutive year.
A devastating first round 76 made that possibility seem extremely remote until the sprightly superstar came back with superlative, second round eight-under 62, earning him a share of sixth place and putting him back into the money title mix.
Also in mix however, is Yuta Ikeda, who heads into the third round leading by three strokes thanks to a stellar, bogey-free first round 63... and second round 69. He too can be crowned Japanese number one with a win this weekend, and he'll tee off tomorrow six strokes ahead of his 19-year-old countryman.
Current money leader Kim... who stands to become the first JGTO money champion from South Korea... is currently in a share of 10th following a disappointing second round 73.
Noriko Yamada, a friend and fellow Ishikawa fan, sent me this link which contains the above photo of Ryo. I believe it was taken during his sensational Friday round. His pants and hat appear to be leather, he's wearing a couple of necklaces over a turtleneck and he's sporting an awesome asymmetrical hairstyle.
Let's face it... the kid just keeps getting better.
It always amazes me the way the top players have an awful round and come back then next day with one that's just brilliant. I hope Ryo playing over here more in 2011.
ReplyDeleteThe asymmetrical hairstyle is certainly... different. Is that a trend in Japan?
ReplyDeleteIshikawa is definitely the real deal on the golf course.
Is that really leather?
ReplyDeleteI heard his ball got stuck in a tree. He's such a superstar in Japan, I'm sure a fan or two must have been up in that tree looking for the ball after he passed.
ReplyDeleteRyo is definitely part of the future of men's golf. Now golfgirl please remember the women are having quite a battle down in Orlando (especially since two of our favorites, Cristie and Morgan, are in the thick of it.)
ReplyDeleteOh- and some guy named Eldrick something is having an exclusive event in CA. Not to mention Mr. Number One is in South Africa.
Oh- and the men's Q school is going on- followed by the women's Q school next week. Who said the year and season is over! :)
The hair cut is kind of weird.
ReplyDeleteAt such a young age Ryo Ishikawa has had to handle more than most other golfers ever will. A very high degree of fame and a heavy schedule with extensive travel. He's also had to learn a foreign language and frequently does interviews in English these days. He seems to have remained humble and balanced to which is great. Wishing him the best.
ReplyDeleteDespite being such a strong player, being famous and treated like a rock star Ryo always seems so gentle and polite, I can see why he's considered such a good role model.
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't look like Ryo will be able to pull it off, but he's having a great final round so far so you never know. Amazing talent though.
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