Japan's teenage golf star Ryo Ishikawa has said that she is looking forward to the inspiration provided by Rory McIlroy. "I have come to know so well how big the gap is between me and the best in the world," the 19-year-old told Japanese media Tuesday as he returned home from his second US Open where he finished tied for 30th.

He was 33rd last year, but remains a great shout for any free bets you have next year!

Ishikawa managed to shoot a four-under-par 68 on the final round for a total of 286 while the 22-year-old McIlroy broke away to a record-breaking victory at 16-under 268.

"He has inspired me much. I think all the young players around the world thought to themselves 'Why can't I?'," Ishikawa said. "I want to reach that level some day."

Ishikawa went to the US Open after missing the cut for two straight events on the Japanese tour. Worse still, at the airport before departure, he was forced to apologise for driving a car without a valid licence weeks earlier.