Golf Sensation Ryo Ishikawa The Youngest Player in the Top 100 at 17

The 17-year old Ishikawa has already risen to 63^rd in the Official World Golf Rankings becoming the youngest player to break into the top 100 in the world. Playing as an amateur in May, 2007, a then fifteen-year old Ishikawa won the Munsingwear Open KSB Cup to become the youngest winner of a men's tournament on the Japan Golf Tour. After turning professional in 2008, Ishikawa added the Mynavi ABC Championship to his resume for his first professional victory.

Born September 17, 1991, Ishikawa has earned the nickname Hanikami Ôji, or "Shy Prince", in Japan where it has been said that he attracts "Tiger-like" attention.

"Ryo Ishikawa is one of the most talented young players in the world, and IMG is very excited about the opportunity to use our global resources to assist him in his development, both on and off the golf course," said Clarke Jones, Senior Vice President and Global Director Golf Clients for IMG. "Ryo's success has created much excitement for the game of golf in his home country of Japan, and that excitement will undoubtedly spread as fans around the world witness his talent. We look forward to assisting Ryo, and his family, with the many exciting opportunities that will develop for him around the world."

Ishikawa will get his first taste of the PGA TOUR this season as he has already been given exemptions to play in the Northern Trust Open (February 19-22), the Transitions Championship (March 19-22), the Arnold Palmer Invitational (March 26-29), and he also received a special invitation from Augusta National to play in the Masters Tournament (April 9-12).

"As a young player, the most important thing I can hope to gain is experience, and by working with IMG, I can benefit from their many years of experience in the business of professional golf," said Ishikawa. "I am extremely honored and excited about the opportunities in front of me this year, including the chance to play three PGA TOUR events, and I look forward to working with IMG to make the most of those opportunities."