Ultimate respect

Young people generally get a bad press these days for being lazy, trouble making good for nothings. I have always held the belief that perceptions such as these are drivel fueled by poor journalism, prejudice and stereotypes created by a handful of incidents. That said I have never expected or witnessed a greater act of kindness as that displayed by Ryo Ishikawa. Aged 19 the young Japanese protege is wowing pundits and fellow players on the professional tour.

But even more staggering is his phenomenol generosity of donating his entire 2011 earnings plus ¥100,000 Yen for every birdie he scores. Modest Ishikawa claims that the motivation of playing for other people will hopefully spur him on to greater levels of performance this year. He certainly has won the hearts and minds of pretty much every golf fan out there and will thoroughly deserve the rapturous welcome he receives at Augusta next week. I will most definitely be rooting for him.

Based on last year's performances the total donation could be as high as $2million. A staggering act of generosity by an honourable young man. Ryo, I salute you and will dig a little deeper into my own pocket.