[News] Golf : Ryo Ishikawa to donate all of 2011 earnings to quake relief.

[News] Golf : Ryo Ishikawa to donate all of 2011 earnings to quake relief.
Cr. - community.livejournal

Japanese teen golfer Ryo Ishikawa said Tuesday he will donate all of his earnings in 2011 to the victims of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in his country.

In addition to what he earns from the JGTO Tour and major tournaments overseas, Ishikawa will donate 100,000 yen for every birdie he makes.

Ishikawa has earned more than 100 million yen in each of the past three seasons since he turned pro in January 2008 at age 16.

Last year, he made 151 million yen for third place on the Japanese money list and had 341 birdies, the most on the tour.

"I've set my goal at 200 million yen in total," said Ishikawa, who is now in Augusta for his third consecutive Masters appearance next week. "I know recovery in the quake-affected areas will take a long time. I'd like to strive together with the victims in recovery efforts."

The nine-time winner in Japan created the donation program after consulting with his father Katsumi.

After the Masters Tournament, Ishikawa will return home for the first time since early February for the start of the Japanese season.

Last week, compatriot Chie Arimura pledged all of her runner-up prize from the HSBC Women's Champions tournament in Singapore, about 12 million yen, to disaster relief efforts.