Golf-Japan teen Ishikawa expects boom or bust at Turnberry (Reuters)
July 9, 2009
TOKYO, July 9 (Reuters) – Japanese teenage sensation RyoIshikawa fears his attacking instincts could backfire on him innext week’s British Open at Turnberry.
The 17-year-old missed the cut in his major debut afterbecoming the youngest player to be invited to the U.S. Mastersin April.
“I’ve qualified for the British Open on merit so I’ll behoping to win the tournament,” Ishikawa told Japanese media onThursday.
“I know it’s possible I could bomb on the other hand andfinish double-digit over par. But my philosophy will still beto attack the course.
“I’ve heard the weather in Scotland can go from summer towinter inside a day but I’ll just be aggressive and give myselfan opportunity to be in contention on the final day.”
Ishikawa added: “It’s better to go for your shots and missthan be passive and miss. I’ll be looking to make four birdiesa round as always.”
One of Japan’s biggest sporting celebrities, Ishikawaqualified for the British Open after winning his third careertitle on Japan’s JGTO Tour at last month’s Mizuno Open.
Former Japanese number one Jumbo Ozaki has been givingIshikawa tips ahead of his British Open debut.
“He had me hit 600 bunker shots,” Ishikawa said beforeleaving Japan on Wednesday. “Jumbo thinks Turnberry fits mygame so I’m confident about my chances.”
The Open begins on July 16. (Reporting by Alastair Himmer; Editing by John O’Brien; Tocomment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)
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