Japanese golf icon Masashi ‘Jumbo’ Ozaki has died at the age of 78.
The World Golf Hall of Famer passed away following a courageous battle with colon cancer, the Japan Golf Tour confirmed on Wednesday.
The Tour released a poignant statement describing him as a ‘one-of-a-kind figure’ who would remain ‘indispensable’ to the history of the game.
‘He is an indispensable, one-of-a-kind figure in discussing men’s golf, both now and in the future,’ the tour shared in a social media tribute.
Ozaki’s dominance was legendary, racking up a staggering 94 wins on the Japan Golf Tour over nearly three decades.
He is often credited as the pioneer who transformed golf into a national obsession in Japan, through his raw power and flamboyant style on the course.
Japanese golf icon Masashi ‘Jumbo’ Ozaki has died at the age of 78
Ozaki racked up a staggering 94 wins on the Japan Golf Tour over his 29 year career
He earned the nickname ‘Jumbo’ for his exceptional driving distance.
His only international victory came at the New Zealand PGA Championship, yet his impact on the global stage was undeniable.
He competed in 49 majors, recording a career-best finish of tied sixth at the 1989 U.S. Open at Oak Hill.
When he was finally inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2011, Ozaki spoke candidly about his career choices.
‘I dedicated my life to Japanese golf and am extremely grateful the voters thought I was worthy of this honor,’ he said at the time.
Before he was a master of the fairways, Ozaki was a professional baseball pitcher for the Nishitetsu Lions, leading his high school to a national championship. He switched to golf at 23.
Ozaki served as a vital inspiration for both Isao Aoki – the first Japanese golfer to enter the World Golf Hall of Fame – and Hideki Matsuyama, who became the nation’s first male major champion at the 2021 Masters.