Ishikawa's major title hopes end early in Atlanta

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. -- One of the players talked about during pre-tournament chatter about favorites after his T-4 last week at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, Ryo Ishikawa's PGA Championship got off to a difficult start when his approach shot into the par-4 11th hole found the water and he made double bogey.

Then it got worse from there.

Ishikawa found water again with a pushed iron at the par-3 15th, then struck the pin and hole with his shot after a drop only to watch it spin back 25 feet. A three-putt ensued for a triple-bogey 6. Two holes later on the par-3 17th, he pulled his tee shot into the water, leading to yet another double. Things got no better at the 18th. A hooked tee shot rolled into the pond left of the fairway and after yet another drop, his approach came up woefully short in the water fronting the green. Only a nifty approach from the drop area prevented more than a double bogey. In all, Ishikawa went 6-5-5-6 on the closing four holes (eight over par) and posted a 10-over 45 for his opening nine of the championship.

(Related: See what Ryo Ishikawa carries in his bag)

On the plus side, Ishikawa didn't need to stop at the pro shop for a couple of extra sleeves of balls on his way to the first tee.

-- E. Michael Johnson

(Photo: Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)