Ryo Ishikawa has the whole world in his hands

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It’s no secret that the worldwide recession has cast a pall over the media sector.

But seemingly not in Japan. At least, not when it comes to Japanese media outlets planning to cover the Northern Open Trust that begins Thursday at Riviera Country Club.

The overwhelming reason: Japanese fans love 17-year-old golfing sensation Ryo Ishikawa, who will make his debut on the PGA Tour.

Don’t roll your eyes. The youngster is being mentioned as a possible heir to Tiger Woods because of his age and considerable accomplishments -- including a rumored $10 million in endorsement deals.

More than 100 Japanese media folk followed Ishikawa to San Diego for the 2007 world junior championships. He finished 23rd in his age range.

Organizers of the Northern Trust Open have issued 375 credentials for 144 media outlets, media manager Toby Zwikel told Reuters.

‘This is our largest-ever number and compares to a total of 106 outlets and 346 media in 2008,’ Zwikel said.

When Woods last played at Riviera in 2006, the media numbers totaled 209.

Last year, Northern Trust Open organizers issued 20 credentials to Japanese media. This year, a spokesman said, it’s nearly five times that number.

The kid has such a following that his every move is documented. He can’t board a flight without drawing attention. Heck, even his blood type is public record.

-- James Wagner