Ryo Ishikawa has experienced the Pro-Am format during his 5 seasons at US PGA Tour, as he has played on Pebble Beach Pro-Am for many times.
"This will be first time for Japan Tour to have this format, and I am very excited."

For the first 2 days, amateurs will be in pairs to play doubles, in best ball format. Both East and West courses of Toride Kokusai GC will become the stage for this battle, and each course will have the winning pair of the day. Then on the weekends, amateurs will play in singles, scratch format, on East course and the winner will be crowned.

Also, for the full 4 rounds, 2 amateurs will play along with 2 professionals, and Pros are allowed to give advice. Tournament's purpose is to have serious tournament for both amateur and professional, as well as have fun together communicating and getting intertwine.

"But I don't really want to be watched too closely. I don't want amateurs to find out that professional do often make mistakes too", grinned Ryo.

"I usually concentrate just few minutes before my shot and enjoy casual conversations with my caddy and fellow players. So, this week I am happy to get acquainted with amateurs and talk about not only golf but many things. There will be 4 players and that will provide us with extra information about the course rather than playing in threesome like always. It may cause some difference in playing rhythms, but it won't affect that much. I hope this new format will give me chance to brush up my game."

Ryo went out on the practice round with Taisei Shimizu in the rain on the East course. East course has bent grass. West course has small greens with Korai grass. Ryo will start from West course tomorrow and says it's tough to read the speed and might get confused on the gap for delicate touch.
"But I will be able to play East Course for the final 3 days, so that will be benefit."

Ryo says, although he is in his 13th year as a Pro, he still likes to go shopping at Golf Partner stores, known for used secondhand gears.
"I just go and look around, like treasure hunting. I especially love the putter area. I am making my swing adjustments during this season and my priority is not getting a good result but achieving the factors which will provide me a good results. I am figuring out what I haven't gained yet. As for now, I am concentrating on course management and making my swing."