Masters Special Invitation Announced
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Ryo Ishikawa, a 17-year-old professional golfer from Japan, has received a special invitation to play in the 2009 Masters, Billy Payne, Chairman of the Masters Tournament and Augusta National Golf Club, announced today.
Ishikawa, born September 17, 1991, will become the second youngest competitor ever in the Masters when the first round begins April 9 at 17 years, 6 months and 23 days. Tommy Jacobs, who played as an amateur in 1952, holds the record at 17 years, 1 month and 21 days.
“At a young age, Mr. Ishikawa has shown the skill and competitiveness to make him a deserving recipient of this invitation,” Payne said. “We see this as an opportunity to expose an emerging talent on a world stage and fulfill our objective to grow the game. I am optimistic that his participation in the Masters will inspire younger players and increase interest in golf in Asia and beyond.”
Ryo Ishikawa: Won the 2007 Munsingwear Open KSB Cup as a 15-year-old amateur, becoming the youngest champion ever on an Official World Golf Ranking recognized tour…turned professional in 2008…competes on the Japan Golf Tour…won the JGT’s mynavi ABC Championship in November…posted six additional top-five finishes in JGT events in 2008…finished fifth on the 2008 JGT money list...currently ranked 60th in the Official World Golf Ranking.
In addition to Mr. Ishikawa, 88 golfers are expected to compete in the 2009 Masters scheduled for April 6-12. Players may still qualify by winning a PGA Tour event that awards a full-point allocation for the season-ending Tour Championship prior to this year’s Masters or by finishing among the 50 leaders on the Official World Golf Ranking published during the week prior to the 2009 Masters.
Ishikawa, born September 17, 1991, will become the second youngest competitor ever in the Masters when the first round begins April 9 at 17 years, 6 months and 23 days. Tommy Jacobs, who played as an amateur in 1952, holds the record at 17 years, 1 month and 21 days.
“At a young age, Mr. Ishikawa has shown the skill and competitiveness to make him a deserving recipient of this invitation,” Payne said. “We see this as an opportunity to expose an emerging talent on a world stage and fulfill our objective to grow the game. I am optimistic that his participation in the Masters will inspire younger players and increase interest in golf in Asia and beyond.”
Ryo Ishikawa: Won the 2007 Munsingwear Open KSB Cup as a 15-year-old amateur, becoming the youngest champion ever on an Official World Golf Ranking recognized tour…turned professional in 2008…competes on the Japan Golf Tour…won the JGT’s mynavi ABC Championship in November…posted six additional top-five finishes in JGT events in 2008…finished fifth on the 2008 JGT money list...currently ranked 60th in the Official World Golf Ranking.
In addition to Mr. Ishikawa, 88 golfers are expected to compete in the 2009 Masters scheduled for April 6-12. Players may still qualify by winning a PGA Tour event that awards a full-point allocation for the season-ending Tour Championship prior to this year’s Masters or by finishing among the 50 leaders on the Official World Golf Ranking published during the week prior to the 2009 Masters.