Masashi “Jumbo” Ozaki, acclaimed for his 113 global triumphs, the most by any Japanese golfer, passed away in Japan on Wednesday after battling colon cancer, as confirmed by the Japan Golf Tour. He was 78 years old. Ozaki, known for his powerful drives and stylish demeanor, clinched 94 victories across 29 years on the Japan Golf Tour, with his final win at the 2002 ANA Open at the age of 55. Despite reaching the fifth spot in the world rankings in 1996 at 49, Ozaki’s international wins were limited, apart from the New Zealand PGA Championship. He was honored with induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2011.
Described as an essential and unique figure in men’s golf, both presently and in the future, Ozaki competed in 49 major tournaments, achieving his best result at the 1989 U.S. Open where he finished three shots behind Curtis Strange. His last appearance at the Masters was in 2000, where he tied for 28th place at the age of 53. Notably, Isao Aoki was the first Japanese golfer to enter the World Golf Hall of Fame, paving the way for Hideki Matsuyama, who secured Japan’s first major victory at the 2021 Masters, influenced by Ozaki’s legacy in a nation captivated by golf.
With five Japan Open titles and six Japan PGA Championship wins, Ozaki topped the Japan Golf Tour money list a record 12 times, including a remarkable five consecutive years from 1994 to 1998. He expressed his sole regret upon Hall of Fame induction, lamenting his limited international exposure due to dedicating his career to Japanese golf. Revered as the Arnold Palmer of Japanese golf, Ozaki’s robust swing, charm, and unique fashion sense, often sporting silk shirts and loose-fitting pants, earned him a special place in the sport. Additionally, Ozaki showcased his musical talents, with three songs making it to Japan’s pop music charts, according to the Hall of Fame.
Initially pursuing a baseball career and pitching professionally for three years before transitioning to golf, Ozaki’s influence transcended generations, as seen in Ryo Ishikawa’s acknowledgment of Ozaki’s guidance. Ishikawa, who claimed his maiden Japan Golf Tour victory at 15, credited Ozaki for imparting valuable advice, drawing parallels between baseball techniques and golf swings. Ozaki’s international outings in major tournaments often included traveling with a retinue, renting a house, and even bringing along a sushi chef to ensure his team felt at home. Notably, Ozaki’s siblings, Naomichi (Joe) and Tateo (Jet), also made their mark on the tour.
A participant in the 1996 Presidents Cup, Ozaki, alongside Vijay Singh, triumphed over the American duo of Fred Couples and Davis Love III. Despite qualifying for the 1998 team, Ozaki opted out of the Australian trip, allowing his brother Joe to take his place.