Ishikawa in driving license incident
Ryo Ishikawa apologised this week for driving without a valid license before leaving Japan en-route to the US Open.
Ryo Ishikawa apologised this week for driving without a valid license shortly before leaving Japan to play in the US Open next week.
The hugely talented, teenaged Japanese golf star explained that a misunderstanding about the validity in Japan of an International drivers license obtained in the USA had led to him being questioned by the police after he was seen driving a silver Audi near his home.
The Japanese media reported on Wednesday that Ishikawa acquired both his US and international driver’s licenses earlier this year while playing in some PGA Tour events in the United States where the minimum driving age is 16
He said he was unaware that he needed to be abroad for at least three full months to make his international license valid at home.
“It’s my own carelessness. I’m very sorry for causing trouble to my sponsors and golf fans. I’m going to work hard as a professional golfer by raising consciousness,” said the 19-year-old Ishikawa.
“I will try to finish high up at the US Open, but to tell you the truth, I’m not calm mentally right now. From now on I’m going to try and concentrate on playing golf,” he added.
According to his spokesman, Ishikawa was questioned by police at his home on Thursday.
His father, Katsumi, has told local newspapers: “I thought I had confirmed that the license would be effective in Japan when we were in the United States, but it was not enough. It’s good, though, to find out about our mistake before he caused an accident.”
Ishikawa has been one of his country’s hottest marketing properties since May 2007 when he became the world’s youngest-ever winner of a men’s event on a major tour by securing the domestic Munsingwear Open KSB Cup.
He was 15 years and eight months.
He can also boast of being the top money earner on the Japan Tour in 2009 and of stunning the world in May last year by shooting a record 12-under-par 58 when winning a Japan Tour event.
His sponsorship deals are reported to total in the vicinity of nearly 10 million dollars a year.
Latest
-
NewsLocal knowledge helps Robin Roussel claim a share of the Alfred Dunhill lead
Scotland’s Scott Jamieson lies a shot behind following a 66.
-
NewsPaul Casey a surprise entrant for 2021 Saudi International
Casey opted out of the inaugural event in 2019, citing concerns over the country’s human rights record.
-
NewsJoy, relief as golf courses in England given green light to reopen from December 2
Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed the good news on Monday.
-
NewsJoachim B Hansen makes up for Italian Open disappointment with Joburg victory
The Dane withdrew from the final round in Italy after his caddie tested positive for Covid-19.
-
NewsJoachim B Hansen launches late fightback to win Joburg Open
Hansen trailed by three shots with nine holes to play but won by two strokes.
-
NewsMatt Wallace shrugs off loss of caddie to Covid-19 to grab share of RSM Classic lead
Wallace’s regular caddie, Dave McNeilly, tested positive for Covid but a local caddie was ready to step in.
-
NewsWilco Nienaber admits ‘it’s great to be home’ after strong first round
The South African fired an eagle, eight birdies and two bogeys in an opening eight-under-par 63.
-
NewsFrom The Horse’s Mouth Podcast: Shane Lowry on Masters experience, playing with Tiger
Open champion Shane Lowry spills the beans on his Masters experience and playing three rounds with Tiger Woods.
-
NewsPetition to exempt golf from lockdown set for Parliamentary debate next week
The document has received more than 257,000 signatures.
-
NewsThe Most Memorable Hole-in-ones in History
Statisticians pitch the probability for a golf pro making a hole-in-one at around 1 in 2,500.