Golf fans in Scotland can prepare for a special treat next month with news that Japanese teenage sensation Ryo Ishikawa has confirmed he will make his debut in The Barclays Scottish Open.
In the wake of his record breaking 12 under par final round of 58 to win The Crowns Tournament on the Japan Golf Tour at the beginning of last month, the 18 year old will bring his precocious talent to Loch Lomond Golf Club for the first time when The Barclays Scottish Open takes place from July 8-11.
Ishikawa’s sensational effort at the Nagoya Golf Club was the lowest round ever compiled on any major golf tour, beating the previous Japan Golf Tour record of 59 carded by Masahiro Kuramoto to win the 2003 Acom International. On the US PGA Tour, David Duval, Chip Beck and Al Geiberger have each shot 59 while 13 players have posted 60 in official competition in European Tour history.
It was Ishikawa’s eighth victory overall in his home country and the 18 year old admitted he was looking forward to trying to add an international title to his burgeoning golfing CV at Loch Lomond.
“I am very much looking forward to coming to Scotland to compete in The Barclays Scottish Open,” he said. “I played in The Open Championship at Turnberry last year and thoroughly enjoyed the experience and I can’t wait to perform in front of the Scottish golf fans again.
“Every professional golfer wants to play in the best tournaments in the world on the best courses and I know, from what I have heard from other players, that The Barclays Scottish Open at Loch Lomond fits the bill in both those categories.”
The news of Ishikawa’s entry is another huge boost for The Barclays Scottish Open and Championship Director Peter Adams said: “It is fantastic news that Ryo Ishikawa has confirmed his entry and we will be delighted to welcome him to Loch Lomond for the first time.
“The Barclays Scottish Open has a history of featuring the best and most exciting players in the world and Ryo’s appearance further underlines that fact. What he achieved in Nagoya last month was truly outstanding and we look forward to see him pitting his golfing talents against the majestic Loch Lomond layout.
“We are also looking forward to welcoming the Japanese press and photographic entourage who regularly follow Ryo in all his tournament appearances around the world. Indeed, in anticipation of their arrival, the media centre at The Barclays Scottish Open has been extended in size from previous years to cope with the additional demand.”
Golf fans keen eager to catch a glimpse of the world class field at Loch Lomond can purchase discounted tickets at:www.barclaysscottishopen.co.uk
