Ryo Ishikawa is Kind, Will Donate All 2011 Earnings to Japan Victims

We've known for years that teenage phenom Ryo Ishikawa was incredible at golf, but nobody really knew his level of charity. That was until Wednesday, when Ishikawa announced he will be donating all of his 2011 earnings to the victims of the recent earthquake and tsunami that devastated his home country of Japan.

Ishikawa said he did this because of all the reasons you'd expect, but also said the motivation of playing well for other people will help him focus in events and hopefully play better, a reason that makes almost too much sense to me.

Everyone needs to understand something for a second -- this kid is 19. 19! Do you remember how much you cared about ANYTHING when you were 19? It was high school, college, and which fraternity was going to let you in their house. Ishikawa has been winning tournaments since he was a fetus, but to do something like this is downright incredible.

He doesn't have to do this. He could donate $100,000 and people would call him a saint. Others have donated generously and we have rightfully patted them on the back. But to give all of your earnings for an entire season, especially when you seem to be finding your game? That's stud-like.

Well played, Ryo. I hope you win the darn Masters.

(Also, since we are talking about charity, here is a link if you feel frisky enough to donate to the Red Cross' relief efforts in Japan. Do it, and have a better Wednesday.

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