Ryo Ishikawa says his heart is with the people of Japan as he prepares for this week's Transitions Championship in Florida.
Teenage star hopes he can give a lift to his troubled countrymen
Ryo Ishikawa says his heart is with the people of Japan as he prepares for this week's Transitions Championship in Florida.
The 19-year-old - his country's biggest golf star - says he wants to give direct help after Japan was thrown into crisis following last Friday's earthquake and tsunami but is aware there is little he can do.
"I wish I could go over there and assist with the search-and-rescue teams," he said.
"In reality, even if I were to go back, there is very little that I could actually do. I couldn't bring them a whole lot of food or go back into the areas that were hit. We're not allowed in there right now.
"The only thing I can do is train hard, play hard, play great golf and provide some good news for the people of Japan."
Lucky
Ishikawa, who grew up northwest of Tokyo, realises he is one of the lucky ones. His family is safe and he has been able to have daily contact with them but he still feels deep distress at the situation back home.
"It almost pains me that I am out there and the people of Japan are going through the worst crisis," he said. "I never for once felt lucky that I am here, meaning that my heart and soul are with the people of Japan. Even though I am physically here, my mind is there. Thousands are struggling over there as I speak here today."
"I would like to perform at my best with them in my thoughts."
Ishikawa was playing in the WGC-Cadillac Championship in Miami when he heard about the disaster.
He managed to complete a seven-under 65 the following morning but struggled thereafter and finished in tied 42nd in the 66-man field.
Schedule
His schedule now sees him play this week's Transitions Championship in Florida, the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill the week after before he tees it up in The Masters at Augusta National on April 7.
Ishikawa - a nine-time winner on the Japan Tour - is set to return home immediately after The Masters and hopes he can have posted his first PGA Tour win by then.
"I would love to win for the people of Japan, but that is a thought I always carry when I play overseas," he said.
"Given this crisis, my motivation is at the highest it has ever been. There is no negative pressure. I just feel very focused and zoned in. And if I could produce such a brilliant result ... and if the bright news could be a source of encouragement for the people of Japan, I would be at my happiest."
