Ryo Ishikawa Exempted into PGA Championship

Ryo Ishikawa came to the United States and made a very good impression on fans and the media with how he handled the attention at the Northern Trust Open at Riviera.  Sure, he missed the cut there, but he did come across well.  Columnists were still talking about how Ishikawa was part of the near future of professional golf.

After three other missed cuts at Riviera, Bay Hill, and Augusta, it seems that the momentum that Ishikawa had when he made his initial splash had subsided.  In spite of that, the PGA of America has already offered an exemption to Ishikawa for the PGA Championship at Hazeltine this summer.

There is no doubting that this kid has serious potential.  His first stint in the USA has not been successful, but that does not mean he won't be in the future.  Given his success in Japan, I'm sure the PGA of America thought he merited a chance at their championship.

The cynic would say this is a more shrewd, sinister move.  Aside from Masters star Shingo Katayama, Ishikawa is arguably the biggest Asian player in the world today.  (Yes, I know about Prayad Marksaeng and Thongchai Jaidee.)  Inviting Ishikawa to the championship will make the touranment more appealing in Asia.  I have no doubt that weighed somewhat in the decision, but I don't think it was everything.