Even after a winless 2011, Ryo Ishikawa is expected to be the center of attention again on the JGTO Tour because of his ability and popularity as the season begins Thursday with the Token Homemate Cup in Mie Prefecture.

The 20-year-old Ishikawa has at least two goals for 2012: to win his second career money title in Japan and finish in the top 125 on the PGA money list to earn a U.S. tour card for 2013.

"I didn't win last year, but I put myself in contention a lot of times," Ishikawa told reporters Wednesday at Token Tado Country Club, the venue of the ¥130 million event.