Japanese star to make US start in LA

LOS ANGELES: Ryo Ishikawa, the 18-year-old star who won the money list on the Japan Golf Tour last year, will make his first start on the PGA Tour at the Northern Trust Open at Riviera.

The tournament will be held Feb. 4-7 in Los Angeles.

Ishikawa won four times in Japan last year to become the youngest player to win a money list on a tour recognized by the world ranking. He also was picked for the Presidents Cup team, winning three of his five matches.

The Japanese teen made his U.S. debut at Riviera last year, missing the cut. His appearance nearly doubled the size of the media at the Northern Trust Open.

Ishikawa, who is ranked 30th in the world, also will play the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am and the Match Play Championship.