Golf: Ryo Ishikawa gets long-awaited win at Taiheiyo Masters
KYODO NEWS
Ryo Ishikawa, once one of golf's brightest young talents, picked up his first win in three years Sunday, defeating Rikuya Hoshino in a playoff at the Taiheiyo Masters on the top-tier Japanese tour.
Ishikawa drew his third shot to about 13 feet from the cup on the second playoff hole, the par-5 18th, and calmly sank the putt after Hoshino could only manage par at Taiheiyo Club's Gotemba Course in Shizuoka Prefecture.
Ishikawa earned 40 million yen ($288,000) for his third Taiheiyo Masters win and 18th career victory on the JGTO Tour.
Ryo Ishikawa celebrates after winning the Taiheiyo Masters golf tournament at Taiheiyo Club's Gotemba Course in Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan, on Nov. 13, 2022. (Kyodo)
The two players finished regulation tied at 8-under 272.
"It's unbelievable," Ishikawa said. "It still hasn't sunk in. I'm 31 now and so glad to win this wonderful tournament."
"I wanted to produce a result so badly. I'll continue to aim higher."
Ishikawa has struggled for years after he produced outstanding results early in his career.
He won the Munsingwear Open KSB Cup as a 15-year-old amateur in 2007, turned pro in 2008 and became the youngest money title winner in 2009 at 18.
KYODO NEWS
Ryo Ishikawa, once one of golf's brightest young talents, picked up his first win in three years Sunday, defeating Rikuya Hoshino in a playoff at the Taiheiyo Masters on the top-tier Japanese tour.
Ishikawa drew his third shot to about 13 feet from the cup on the second playoff hole, the par-5 18th, and calmly sank the putt after Hoshino could only manage par at Taiheiyo Club's Gotemba Course in Shizuoka Prefecture.
Ishikawa earned 40 million yen ($288,000) for his third Taiheiyo Masters win and 18th career victory on the JGTO Tour.
Ryo Ishikawa celebrates after winning the Taiheiyo Masters golf tournament at Taiheiyo Club's Gotemba Course in Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan, on Nov. 13, 2022. (Kyodo)
The two players finished regulation tied at 8-under 272.
"It's unbelievable," Ishikawa said. "It still hasn't sunk in. I'm 31 now and so glad to win this wonderful tournament."
"I wanted to produce a result so badly. I'll continue to aim higher."
Ishikawa has struggled for years after he produced outstanding results early in his career.
He won the Munsingwear Open KSB Cup as a 15-year-old amateur in 2007, turned pro in 2008 and became the youngest money title winner in 2009 at 18.
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Summary
Ryo Ishikawa wins Taiheiyo Masters after playoff against Rikuya Hoshino; secures 40 million yen ($288,000) in prize money; claims third Taiheiyo Masters win and 18th victory on the JGTO Tour. Ishikawa, aged 31, had struggled for years after a promising career start, winning at 15 as an amateur and