Ryo Ishikawa seemed very positive and confident coming into this week's "Panasonic Open".
"1 week off from the tournament was so quick but I am glad that I chose to take off and recharge."

At SEGASammy Cup in August he has done 2 consecutive tournament win and jumped up to the top on the Money Ranking. Then he went on to battle 3 weeks in a row, constantly in the top group and he made a great Sunday charges on both Fuji Sankei Classic and ANA Open to finish in top 10 for 2 weeks in a row.
"I was in good position and was in the competitive circuit. Those moments give me the overflow of adrenalin, but on next day, I really get worn out."

Last week's Shinhan Donghae Open was Japan Korea and Asian Tour co-sanctioned event, very new event for Japan Tour. Many wanted Ryo to enter the field and Ryo himself wanted to. And also, from the point of view regarding the Order of Merit race, he should. But Ryo chose not to. Because he has bigger goal to aim for.

"I want to battle against the best in the US PGA Tour again and win. That is my ultimate goal. Becoming an Order of Merit Champion again is not my goal."

"Last week I read through my notes that I have been writing for 2 years now. I look back to my feeling that I went through and remind myself not to fail again. I pushed myself too much to play in consecutive events even my body was saying no. I was caught in that trap during my years in US PGA. I felt that I should take every chance to play in the tournament, if not my rankings will fall. I was afraid to take a break. From those experience, I chose to take a break last week. I went home on Sunday and started training on Monday. If I entered the tournament, I had only 3 days until Thursday, but instead I had 10 days to prepare for this week. My mind also had time off from the game. I was able to refresh and recharge. To me, when I became Order of Merit Champion in 2009 was like climbing up Mt. Fuji, which is not easy at all, but my goal is to climb up on the top of Mt. Everest. I want to keep on trying and I know I not ready for yet, so I am preparing. So as for scheduling, I want to choose what I think is best for me."

This year's venue Higashi Hirono GC, which held 2008 Mitsubishi Diamond Cup, is where Ryo missed the cutline.
"Back then, I chose 1W everywhere, but I am smarter now and will chose more suitable club to make a great course management play."