Golfer Pledges Season’s Earnings to Japan Victims

The golf star Ryo Ishikawa says he will give his entire tournament earnings from the 2011 season to aid Japan’s earthquake and tsunami victims, writes the Associated Press.

Mr. Ishikawa, who at age 19 has already won nine events on the Japan Golf Tour, earned just over $1.82-million last year. He has also pledged 100,000 yen, or about $1,200, for each birdie he makes, which, based on his performance last year, would add about $400,000 to his donation.

The young golfer hails from Saitama, about 300 miles from the area hardest hit by the disaster.

“While golf is my profession, and I want to have a long and successful career, there are things that are more important,” he said. “And the people of Japan are dealing with life and death issues.”