The Royal Trophy is currently underway at Black Mountain Golf Club in Hua Hin, Thailand. With some of golf's most promising young stars in the mix, crowds have reportedly been large and enthusiastic, with local girls cheering both teams on, and... according to Roger Crutchley's report in the Bangkok Post... numerous female fans from Japan dressed to the nine.
The Royal Trophy is an annual event that features competing teams representing Europe and Asia. A first round grouping that included Ryo Ishikawa and Matteo Manassero was
Ishikawa, playing with Shunsuke Sononda won that match over Manassero and his partner Pablo Martin.
Ample excitement was also provided by player-captain Colin Montgomerie who teamed with Welshman Rhys Davies and by China's biggest star Liang Wenchong playing with another rapidly rising young star, Noh Seung-yul of Korea.
The two teams are even right now. Needless to say, the weekend promises to be exciting. Special thanks to ever-observant Ryo-watcher, Yamada Noriko, who faithfully keeps me up-to-date with one of my favorite players. BTW, it seems the whimsical Mr. Ishikawa will be state-side in February to play in several events leading up to the Masters, which is definitely something to look forward to. I'm sure Noriko would agree with me when I say, there's no such thing as too much Ryo.
Photos:
Royal Trophy Fans: Athit Perawongmetha/Getty Images AsiaPac
Ishikawa-Manasero: via / hochi.yomiuri.co.jp
I think Ryo fans have a way of finding each other. ;)
ReplyDeleteI noticed Colin Mongomerie was proudly presiding over team Europe. Captaincy seems suits to the old boy.
ReplyDeleteFYI - Looks like Europe kept the trophy... and Ryo had a dissapointing singles match vs Rhys Davies.
ReplyDeleteThis might be a dumb question but is Rhys Davies related to Laura Davies? Not that there's any resemblance but I'm thinking maybe he comes from a "golf family" and she's aunt Laura. ;)
ReplyDeletesad to hear that matteo manassero was defeated on a match with sononda. matteo looks good and has the performance too. i hope there will be a rematch and if there'll be, i hope he wins. thanks for sharing this on your blog golf girl.
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