GOLF
Ishikawa says he has lot to learn from players like McIlroy
NARITA —
Golfer Ryo Ishikawa returned to Japan on Tuesday after finishing 30th in the U.S. Open and said he was full of awe for Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy who won the Open. Ishikawa, 19, said he has a long way to go to catch up with McIlroy, 22, the youngest U.S. Open winner since 1923. He said that McIlroy’s performance had inspired him to lift the level of his own game.
“I think he is definitely the next Tiger Woods,” Ishikawa said. “His playing style is amazing; he can play any shot with any club. I’ve got a lot to do to get anywhere near that level, although I do think I have improved in the last year. I just have to practice more. It’s great to have someone like that to motivate me.”
Ishikawa will play one tournament in Japan—the Mizuno Open over the weekend—and then head overseas again, this time to Britain for the British Open on July 13-17.
Compiled from news reports
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herefornow
Good on Ryo. He does not seem to be a victim of all his press coverage and commercial exposure here and the over-blown expectations that has brought. He has a realistic handle on his skills relative to players like Rory and the improvement he'd need to make to be at that level. And he's three years younger, so has some time. For his sake, I hope he does what he says.
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paulinusa
He played well enough (better than the majority of the field) but yes, he needs to take his game a step up. More consistency.
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BurakuminDes
McIlroy is on another level to everyone. He has the potential to surpass Nicklaus number of Majors...
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Heda_Madness
The more I hear from/about Ishikawa, the more I like.
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shogun36
I hope he does win it all one day. But until he cuts his hair, he isn't getting to the next level.
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Smorkian
One thing I like about Ishikawa is he seems to play his best overseas golf in the majors. That's good for his future. He's not getting stomped on by the world's best but he's humble enough to know he needs to improve. He's still just a kid, after all.
But I can't say enough about McIlroy! Wow. I would love to see Ishikawa get towards that level and give us some compelling golf over the next few decades.
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grammefriday
I doubt that very much... too many distractions and too many tournaments these days...
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smithinjapan
As much as I poke fun at Ishikawa's performance, I do so like his character. He seems like a very modest and down-to-earth young man, and this will go very far for him now and in the future.
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freakashow
Ishikawa has always exhibited class and humility. McIlroy also has those same traits and thus could be called the "anti-Tiger". Tiger has always had a coolness and aggressiveness that has won him many a major. Fans have respected him, but knew to keep their distance from him lest they incite his wrath and F-bomb tirade. McIlroy seems more down-to-earth and humble, even after winning his first major title. I'm sure he will win many more and be a great champion. I'm sure Ryo Ishikawa will be a champion in his own right as well. Good luck to the both of them!
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ojiiu812badboy
@shogun36 What does your mop (hair) look like? This is the new generation, haircuts has nothing to do with nerves of steel, i.e. McIlroy, hair and all. Ishikawa will win soon, but Japanese players need stop being in awe of foreigners and play within their skill level and God given talents. Like, grow up, stop this "I'm too shy" humble pie stuff... It only gives way to intimidation. Get aggressive and confident, even arrogant. He needs a strong international team, foreign coach, manager, and caddie. Maybe, Stop doing dumb Japanese TV commercials-:) Get on the world stage. He's a great one. Look at the leaderboards, Japanese players are good for 1st and 2nd rounds. We need strong finishers in Japan. Thanks to Mika Miyazato we've have a few top finishes, even Ryuji Imada rides that "see-saw".
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