Ishikawa commits to Vic Open

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Ryo Ishikawa plays next month in Barwon Heads.

Japanese rock star Ryo Ishikawa is on his way to Victoria.

Ishikawa, the darling of the Japanese golf media, has committed to play the ISPS Handa Vic Open from 7-10 February on the 13 Beach Golf Links in Barwon Heads.

Since golf began as a teenage child prodigy, the now 27-year-old is one of the hottest features in the world golf, but has not played in Australia since the 2016 World Cup in Kingston and was previously part of the international team in the 2011 Presidential Cup in Royal Melbourne.

Ishikawa, who won 14 times on his homeward journey and is ranked as high as No. 29 on the world rankings, said he would like to see another corner of Australia.

"I've been in Melbourne before, but I did not have time to see Victoria, so I'm very excited to see the Bellarine Peninsula," said Ishikawa.

"I have heard great things about the tournament and the relaxed atmosphere and I look forward to being back in Australia."

Operation boss Simon Brookhouse of Golf Australia was delighted that such a magnetic player would come to the Vic Open.

"If you've ever been to a tournament where Ryo plays and attracts the attention he draws from Japanese fans and media, you know exactly how big this deal is," Brookhouse said.

"He is a needle mover, especially in Japan, and it's great to see that one of the great players on that tour is making his way south to play on the 13th beach."

It's another great coup for the men's and women's tournament that will be jointly sanctioned for the first time by the LPGA Tour, ALPG, European Tour and ISPS Handa PGA Tour or Australasia.

Brookhouse was also pleased to announce that Ryan Fox, from New Zealand, Nic Colsaerts, from Belgium, Paul Dunne, from Ireland, and Italian Matteo Manassero, should have been European Tour stars.

"This is the beauty of having the European Tour as our partner … many of these men played in the World Cup last year, so we have a great depth of talent and there will be stars where you will also be competing this year. men's field looks, "he said.

Admission is free for all Victorian golf club members, but other tickets are on sale through oTix and remain some of the best value in top sport for $ 10 a day, $ 30 for a season ticket. Children younger than 18 and people with a seniors card are free. See vicopengolf.com/ticketing for details.

The ISPS Handa Vic Open, which holds equal cash prizes for men and women, is proudly supported by the Victorian government.