jan23 ryoin
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Teenage Japanese golfing sensation Ryo Ishikawa has received a special invitation to play in this year’s US Masters.
Born on September 17, 1991, Ryo will be the second youngest ever Masters participant when the season’s first major starts at Augusta National on April 9. He’ll be 17 years 6 months and 23 days – the youngest is Tommy Jacobs (17yrs 1 month 21 days) who played as an amateur in 1952.
Billy Payne, Masters Tournament chairman said: “Mr Ishikawa has shown the skill and competiveness to make him a deserving recipient of this invitation.
“We see this this as an opportunity to expose an emerging talent on a world wide stage and fulfill our objective to grow the game.”
Ryo turned pro in 2008 after winning the 2007 Munsingwear Open TSB Cup as a 15-year-old amateur, becoming the youngest champion ever on an official world golf ranking tour. He’s currently ranked 60th in the world rankings.
