Former beach volleyball player Yukiko Ishizaka, who competed for Japan in the 1996 and 2000 Summer Olympics, announced plans Tuesday to try and join the women's professional golf ranks. Revealing her long-held ambition, the 33-year-old Ishizaka said "I would like to win a tournament on the Japan Tour and then compete overseas."
Ishizaka reportedly first thought about making the move after the Atlanta Games in 1996. She hits over 700 balls a day on the practice range and said her best score is an 84.
Although she initially looked at trying to join the Japan Tour, Ishizaka said she planned to follow the advice of veteran pro Pete Izumikawa who told her that "If you are serious, go over to the United States."