On Wednesday at Mitsui Sumitomo VISA Taiheiyo Masters, celebrity charity Pro-am was held. Ryo Ishikawa, players' chairman grouped up with Saori Yoshida, the world-famous 3 times Wrestling Gold Medalist.

The Gold Medalist was also top class in golf as well. Ryo was fascinated by her play.
"She really has talent, must be because she has frim core and well-trained inner muscle, very strong and well-balanced. She drives pretty far."
As Ryo said, Saori grabbed the lady's division of the Driving Contest title on the 18th, with the record of 216 yards.

"I usually hit way right, but at that 18th, it went straight. I think I play well with the spectators watching. I get concentrated better I guess", recalls Saori.

Saori Yoshida first learned golf in her college days. After graduation, she went to play golf as leisure, just to get away from her hard wrestling training. Saori's best score is 87. On the Pro-am, she made a 2-meter birdie putt on the 1st hole. Pro-am was held with the best ball format, and Ryo and Saori's group ended up in second place with the total of 15 under par.

"Ryo taught me how to hit from the bunkers. He explains really well. Very convincing too. I played with Ryo few years back on TV show, he has grown up to be a perfect gentleman."

Ryo was also excited to play with the 3 times Gold Medalist.
"Saori is wonderful person and honorable athlete. We didn't talk about the Olympics, but many thoughts and ideas that she has shared, really inspired me."

Ryo won at 2010 and 2012 on this tournament. Hideki Matsuyama won as an amateur on 2011, but Ryo stole the spotlight by making the hole-in-one on the 17th hole.
"Hideki Matsuyama is back, so I want to do well and have a great battle in the winner's circle with him."
This year the course is renewed, and fans are wishing to see the Ryo vs Hideki battle to heat up on the Sunday afternoon.

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