Golf-Japan teen Ishikawa expects boom or bust at Turnberry

2009-07-09

Share this article:  Digg |  StumbleUpon |  del.icio.us |  Reddit

TOKYO, July 9 (Reuters) - Japanese teenage sensation Ryo Ishikawa fears his attacking instincts could backfire on him in next week’s British Open at Turnberry.

The 17-year-old missed the cut in his major debut after becoming the youngest player to be invited to the U.S. Masters in April.

“I’ve qualified for the British Open on merit so I’ll be hoping to win the tournament,” Ishikawa told Japanese media on Thursday.

“I know it’s possible I could bomb on the other hand and finish double-digit over par. But my philosophy will still be to attack the course.

“I’ve heard the weather in Scotland can go from summer to winter inside a day but I’ll just be aggressive and give myself an opportunity to be in contention on the final day.”

Ishikawa added: “It’s better to go for your shots and miss than be passive and miss. I’ll be looking to make four birdies a round as always.”

One of Japan’s biggest sporting celebrities, Ishikawa qualified for the British Open after winning his third career title on Japan’s JGTO Tour at last month’s Mizuno Open.

Former Japanese number one Jumbo Ozaki has been giving Ishikawa tips ahead of his British Open debut.

“He had me hit 600 bunker shots,” Ishikawa said before leaving Japan on Wednesday. “Jumbo thinks Turnberry fits my game so I’m confident about my chances.”

The Open begins on July 16. (Reporting by Alastair Himmer; Editing by John O’Brien; To comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)