Winning my best medicine: Ishikawa

TOKYO - Agence France-Presse

Ryo Ishikawa follows the ball after he tees off the Taiheiyo Masters. AFP Photo

Japanese star Ryo Ishikawa believes his first victory in two years has been the “best medicine” to save himself from the brink of oblivion and spur his full-time U.S. challenge next year.

His one-stroke win on Sunday at the Taiheiyo Masters, one of the Japan Tour’s high-prized events, has also given the domestic men’s game a much needed fillip to reverse slides in sponsorship, TV ratings and on-course spectators.

“It (one victory) changes the way I perceive everything,” the tearful 21-year-old said after his 10th career victory, which made him the youngest player to win as many events on the Japan Tour.

“A victory is the best medicine. It’s a medicine that gives me confidence. I can go to the United States with confidence,” Ishikawa, due to switch from a part-time status to play as many US PGA events as possible next year, told reporters.

The Japan Tour season will close with three more events in the next three weeks, including the most lucrative Dunlop Phoenix and Casio World Open, each carrying prize money of 200 million yen ($2.5 million).

“If I have another win in the remaining three tournaments, it will really make my recovery complete,” said Ishikawa.