Ryo Ishikawa

Ryo Ishikawa, nicknamed 'The Bashful Prince', is a Japanese professional golfer who became the youngest winner ever on the Japan Golf Tour at 15 and went on to top the tour's money list at 18.

Playing as a 15-year-old amateur in his first professional tour event in May 2007, Ryo Ishikawa won the Munsingwear Open KSB Cup to become the youngest winner in the history of Japan's top-tier golf tour, earning the nickname 'Bashful Prince' before he had ever held a professional card. He announced himself to the golf world in May 2007, when, playing as a 15-year-old amateur in his first tour event, he won the Munsingwear Open KSB Cup, becoming the youngest winner ever on the men's top-tier Japan Golf Tour, earning the nickname 'Hanikami Ōji' ('Bashful Prince') for his shy smile. Ishikawa turned professional in January 2008 at 16, becoming the youngest professional golfer in Japanese history, and won the Japan Golf Tour Rookie of the Year award that season. He backed up his amateur breakthrough with a full professional campaign in 2009, becoming the youngest player ever to top the Japan Golf Tour money list, a record previously held by Masashi 'Jumbo' Ozaki, and was named the tour's Most Valuable Player. Ishikawa went on to win 20 times on the Japan Golf Tour, and competed on the U.S. PGA Tour for several seasons, with his best major finish a tie for 20th at the 2011 Masters. Though injuries and a competitive slump limited his later international impact, he remained one of Japan's most popular and recognisable golfers, continuing to compete on the Japan Golf Tour and Korn Ferry Tour into his thirties.

All-around player known for consistency and composure under pressure from a young age

One of the most popular Japanese golfers of his generation, credited with helping inspire a new wave of interest in the sport in Japan

• Youngest-ever winner on the Japan Golf Tour (2007, age 15)
• Japan Golf Tour money list winner (2009)
• Japan Golf Tour Most Valuable Player (2009)
• 20x Japan Golf Tour winner