Ryo Ishikawa, who won the last event going into the long summer vacation is seeking to make 2 wins in a row this week at Shigeo Nagashima Invitational SEGASAMMY Cup Golf Tournament. Ryo got caught in the water on 10th, and made a 3-putt on 11th, but he got his game back on track and has done a great comeback from the bogey-in-a-row start.

On Par 3 16th, known for the island green, he usually plays it with an 8 iron, but Ryo didn't miss the wind blowing from the right side, and took 6 iron instead.
"If you make a full swing with the short irons, even it carries to the green, it might make too much back spin and roll of the green. So, I chose the longer iron and shot it softer as I practiced during the vacation period. It was like hitting 180 yards with the 6 iron. I hit it fade and bounced on the wind. It got to 2 meters to the pin. This birdie got me back on the track."

On the Par 5 18th, he chose to use the 3W on the second shot 270 yards to the hole and shouted out "come on!". He made it in 2 flying safely over the water and holed an easy birdie. Then he had 4 straight birdies until the 3rd hole. Eventually ended with 67, as the co-leader for Round 1.

He grabbed his 15th victory at Japan PGA, the win he waited for 3 years, and made a great comeback that all of his fan longed for. But Japan Golf Tour went into 6 weeks of no tournament golf vacation period.
"I thought of it as time to reset. I have concentrated in building my muscles and getting fit."

During the 6 weeks off, Japan LPGA Tour have gained a world class new star, Hinako Shibuno, who has won the Women's British Open.
"I know that all eyes are curious that how would the men's pro golf will do. But we should concentrate on our tour and do the best we can."

As for the very notable change in Ryo, his fashion changed, a bit tougher. All dressed in black with "M" logo cap. It is his sponsor Callaway's new brand, "Travis Mathew" which will come out in September.
"Everyone said, I look different all in black. Some took a second look at me."
But this change of style might have worked good on him. The venue for the tournament is very tough, but Ryo has won this in 2014.
"Having the great image with the past win here, I have good feelings about the course so I would like to challenge it until the very end."