Ryo Ishikawa receives special invite to Masters

Ryo Ishikawa, the 20-year old Japanese golfing super star has received a special invitation to compete at the Masters.

This will be the second time this honor has been given to Ishikawa.

In 2009, the then 17-year old Ishikawa was given this same invitation to compete at Augusta National. Making him the second-youngest ever, to tee it up at the Masters.

Billy Payne, Augusta National chairman said, Ishikawa will help increase interest in Japan as well as throughout Asia.

"Ryo Ishikawa is an accomplished player on the Japan Golf Tour." Payne said. "And we believe
his presence will help increase interest not only in his home country but also
throughout Asia."

The Masters has always invited international players to expand the Masters global appeal throughout the world.

Without this special invitation. A player must be ranked in the top-50 of the OWGR, one week prior to the Masters to earn a spot at Augusta.

Ishikawa has reached rock star status in his home country of Japan. Winning nine times on the Japan Golf Tour.

This will mark his third trip to Augusta. Where his best finish came in 2011, with a T20 finish.