So, with Golf once more upon us, who do you root for? Tiger Woods? After all, on his day, one of the greatest ever, and maybe he can recapture that form which made him irresistible. Martin Kaymer? The Young German who has roared to the top? Lee Westwood? One of the games most consistent performers, a guy who is always there or thereabouts going into the final day?
Maybe even Colin Montgomerie? One of the true legends of the game, having been a leading light of the game since the dawn of time? And the guy who led Europe to Ryder Cup glory?
Or maybe someone from the ladies game? One of the most famous stars to see is of course, Michelle Wie. An undoubted talent, famous for her looks, as much as her ability. Also, she has taken on the men at their own game by taking part in various mens competitions. Something she still does, but now focuses on her game after realizing its a bit daft, given she lacks the power of her male counterparts.
The answer, quite frankly, is no.
You should look no further than Japans "Bashful Prince," Ryo Ishikawa.
This young man took part in his first Tour competition at the tender age of 15, and became the youngest player ever to crack the top 50 in the world rankings. For such a young man, he has achieved a lot. By the age of 19, he already has 10 tour wins, 9 in Japan. He has been on the Asian team in the Royal Trophy challenge against Europe, first Japanese player since the 90's to represent the International team in the Presidents Cup against the US!
He also won the Money List in Japan in 2009 with total winnings of 183,520,000 yen (over $1,800,000) In 2010, he came third (just) in the money list, and included a couple of hundred thousand from his successes on the US tour that year.
So, his rise has been meteoric. Is that a reason to support him? Well, he is a Handsome Young man, credited with bringing more people into the game in Asia (including a lot of girls!) and very much a "Tiger mk 2" in the clean living stakes (This is, of course, before all of the major issues blew up round Tiger!)
However, all that is a good bunch of reasons to wish him well. BUT, the main reason to keep hoping to see this:
Is that he has promised to donate all his winnings from 2011 to relief efforts in the aftermath of the Tohoku disaster. And considering he pulled in about $1.8million, would amount to a serious chunk of change! Also, he will donate a further 100,000yen for every birdie he makes during the year. Last year, he managed 341 on the Tour!
He wont be short of money. Like I said, he is a handsome young man, with a very clean cuddly image. He has plenty of sponsors and advertising deals, ranging from ANA to cook at home curry!
However, he is a rising star, and I wish him well. And I do pray for his success this year, not only for his further success, but also for his amazing promise to help!
