Tournament article

ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP 2019

Ryo Ishikawa marks his first ever "Double-Eagle"

Japanese golf world is celebrating the first ever US PGA and Japan Tour co-sanctioned ZOZO Championship tournament this week, and at the Pro-Am games, Ryo Ishikawa has made his first ever record by doing a "double-eagle".

On Wednesday 23rd, Pro-Am game was held at Narashino CC, and Ryo made a miracle. It was at 562 yards Par 5 18th. Ryo had 261 yards left to the green from right side of the fairways. He needed to avoid the tree in front of him, so he made a great fade shot with 3W which bounced 3-meters front of the pin and the got swallowed into the cup.

Ryo has made hole-in-one twice in the tournaments, but this was his first ever double-eagle. Actually, he didn't know that he made it. As he walked on to the green with a putter in his hand officials told him to look into the cup. Paired amateur guests gave him a big applause and he answered with a fist pump.

"I couldn't see it go in. This is first ever for me. I am so glad that I have done this on such a memorable week."

Ryo has the natural star quality. Press asked, it would have been better if it was during the tournament, but Ryo answered, "If it was birdies, I would like to keep them until the tournament, but it was a Double-eagle, rarer than hole-in-one, so I am just so please to be able to do it."

Ryo has scored 5 under for the Pro-Am game and with the memorable double-eagle, he seems to have gained good feelings about the course.
"I think top players could score around 6 under. Greens are so stiff and won't stop easily, but I think it is fair setting. My game will be critically determined, so I must play smart and try to score well."