Golf-Ishikawa apologises after driving into trouble

Japanese golf prodigy Ryo Ishikawa was forced to apologise for some wayward driving on Friday after reports he had been caught behind the wheel of a vehicle without a valid license dented his squeaky-clean image. The 19-year-old is a huge celebrity in Japan with numerous multi-million dollar endorsements but was left red faced when he was found to have driven on an invalid international permit. "I humbly apologise for the embarrassment that my carelessness and clumsiness caused," Ishikawa told a news conference before leaving Japan for next week's U.S. Open.  Ishikawa's remarkable success since becoming the Japan tour's youngest winner as a bashful 15-year-old has already earned him a fortune on and off the course.  His bright smile has made him a favourite among Japanese housewives and he was quick to face the media after his run-in with the law.  "As a professional, I must be more vigilant and devote myself to golf," he said, bowing deeply in a black suit and tie.  "To be honest, my mind is still not at ease at what I did. I will put all my energy into golf."  Ishikawa drove a car in Japan before the international permit he had obtained in the United States had become valid. Japanese golf officials have criticised Ishikawa and said they would hold a meeting to discuss possible punishments after hearing from the player and his father Katsumi. Following the deadly earthquake and tsunami in northeast Japan in March, Ishikawa promised to donate all his earnings for this year to relief efforts in the devastated areas.