InsideJapan News Network

Teenage golf pro, Ryo Ishikawa has promised to donate all of his earnings this year to help relief efforts for the victims of the March 11th earthquake.

The 19-year-old, who has already won nine domestic titles and is currently competing at the Masters in Augusta, said that he will also donate 100,000 yen (£750) for every birdie he makes in 2011, the Associated Press reports.

Mr Ishikawa has made at least 100 million yen every year since he turned pro at the age of 16, making him the third-highest earning Japanese golfer.

Furthermore, he made 341 birdies last season, the most on the JGTO tour. As a result, he has set himself a target of raising 200 million yen in total.

"I know recovery in the quake-affected areas will take a long time. I'd like to strive together with the victims in recovery efforts," he said.

Last week, fellow Japanese golfer Chie Arimura donated all of her runner-up prize from the HSBC Women's Champions tournament in Singapore, about 12 million yen.

Written by Mark Smith