Teen Ishikawa hoping to make cut at British Open

[July 08, 2009]  TOKYO (AP) -- Japanese teenager Ryo Ishikawa has acknowledged that being a title contender in the upcoming British Open, or any other major, is beyond him at this early stage of his career.

"I may have to face my worst score ever. I may easily go double-digit over par," the 17-year-old Ishikawa said at a press conference Wednesday before departing for the July 16-19 British Open at Turnberry.

Ishikawa missed the cut this year at the Masters, where he was given a special invitation. He also has received an invitation to the PGA Championship in August at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Minnesota.

"Majors are still out of my league, but I feel a little more relaxed than last time," Ishikawa said. "I'd like to be on the course as long as possible, so I hope to make the cut and play all four days of the tournament."

Ishikawa qualified for the British Open by winning the Japan tour's Mizuno Open last month for the third victory of his career.

He became the youngest winner of a sanctioned tour when he won the Munsingwear Open KSB Cup two years ago at age 15.

[Associated Press]

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