January 25, 2008 – Tokyo, Japan
Yonex announces the signing of 16-year old Japanese golf sensation Ryo Ishikawa. As part of the endorsement deal, Ishikawa will play the Yonex Cyberstar NanoV driver, Cyberstar NanoV #3 wood as well the company’s Cyberstar Forged irons. Ishikawa will wear Yonex apparel, golf shoes and headwear. He will also carry the company’s staff bag.
Ishikawa, shot to superstar status in Japan last May when he became the youngest winner of a Japan Golf Tour event when he won the Munsingwear Open KSB Cup at 15 years and eight months. Ishikawa finished ahead world class players like, Craig Perry, Hidemichi Tanaka and Toru Taniguchi who is currently #27th in the Official World Golf Ranking. This spectacular victory came in the first of six professional tour events that Ishikawa has played as an amateur in 2007.
After his victory at the Munsingwear Open KSB Cup, Ishikawa finished T15 at the Japan Golf Tour’s Fujisankei Classic. Ishikawa tied with amongst others, world #43, Shingo Katayama.
“Winning that tournament (Munsingwear Open KSB Cup) has presented me with so many opportunities, it was an important win that changed my life”, said Ishikawa.
Ryo, who turned pro on January 10th, 2008 has played Yonex equipment since the age of 10. Ishikawa is armed with remarkable maturity and mental toughness for a player of such a young age. He lists The Masters as one of his goals.
“Turning pro was an important step to achieving my dreams,” he said. “I want to win majors. The Masters is my biggest goal. I used to get up at 4 a.m. to watch it when I was a kid.”
On continuing the relationship with Ryo and Yonex, Yonex President, Ben Yoneyama said, “We look forward to continuing our relationship with Ryo that dates back to when Ryo was 10 years old, by entering into the next chapter of his golf career. We will do all that we can to help and support him to reach his goal of winning The Masters and becoming one of the world’s top golfers.”
Yonex is a successful global company with corporate headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, U.S. headquarters in Torrance, California, Canadian headquarters in Calgary, Alberta as well as offices in England, Germany and Taiwan. Yonex is the world technology leader in Golf, Tennis and Badminton. Yonex is a company driven by technology, constantly exploring new materials, new designs and new ways of improving your game.
For more information on Yonex call the company at 1-800-44-YONEX or visit their website at www.yonexusa.com
Contact:
Will Carswell
Yonex Corporation USA
310-793-3869
william.carswell@yonexusa.com
