Masashi “Jumbo” Ozaki, whose 113 worldwide victories made him the most successful Japanese player on the global stage, passed away on Wednesday in his home country after a battle with colon cancer. The Japan Golf Tour confirmed his death and noted that he was 78.
A Legendary Career on the Japan Golf Tour
Ozaki’s dominance on the Japan Golf Tour spanned 29 years, during which he captured 94 titles. His final triumph came at the 2002 ANA Open, where he won at the age of 55. He led the tour’s money list a record 12 times, including five consecutive years from 1994 to 1998, and secured his last money title in 2002.
Rising to the World Stage
In 1996, at 49, Ozaki reached No. 5 in the world rankings, a peak that highlighted his international competitiveness. Despite this, he never won a tournament outside Japan, with the sole exception being the New Zealand PGA Championship. His global impact was cemented when he was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2011.
Hall of Fame Tribute
“He is an indispensable, one-of-a-kind figure in discussing men’s golf, both now and in the future,” the tour posted on social media to honor Ozaki. When he accepted his Hall of Fame induction, he reflected on his career: “But I dedicated my life to Japanese golf and am extremely grateful the voters thought I was worthy of this honor,” he said, noting he received 50% of the vote on the International ballot.
Major Championship Highlights
Ozaki competed in 49 majors, achieving his best finish at the 1989 U.S. Open at Oak Hill, where he finished three shots behind Curtis Strange. His 19th and final appearance at the Masters came in 2000 at age 53, where he tied for 28th place.
Influence on Future Generations
Isao Aoki was the first Japanese player inducted into the Hall of Fame, and Hideki Matsuyama became the first Japanese major champion at the 2021 Masters. Both cited Ozaki as an inspiration, a pioneer who helped shape a nation that now embraces golf.
Personal Style and Extra-Field Talents
Ozaki earned the nickname “Arnold Palmer of Japan” for his powerful swing, charisma, and signature style-silk shirts and baggy pants. Beyond golf, he played guitar and produced three songs that charted in Japan’s pop music scene, as noted by the Hall of Fame.
Early Life and Baseball Roots
His first love was baseball; he pitched professionally for three years before turning to golf. Ryo Ishikawa, who won his first Japan Golf Tour title at 15, spoke of Ozaki’s influence. In a 2010 interview with The Associated Press, Ishikawa said, “Jumbo used to be a baseball player, so he always tried to teach me the link from pitching or hitting to golf,” and added, “Jumbo wanted me to hit the ball far.”
Family and Team Contributions
Ozaki had two younger brothers who also played on tour: Naomichi (Joe) and Tateo (Jet). He represented Japan in the 1996 Presidents Cup, partnering with Vijay Singh to defeat the American duo of Fred Couples and Davis Love III. Though he qualified for the 1998 team, he declined the trip to Australia, and his brother Joe took his place.
Legacy and Final Years
When Ozaki played internationally, he traveled with an entourage, often renting a house and bringing a sushi chef to keep his companions comfortable. He died after a prolonged fight with colon cancer, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence Japanese golf.
Key Takeaways
- Masashi “Jumbo” Ozaki died at 78 after colon cancer.
- He amassed 113 worldwide victories, 94 on the Japan Golf Tour.
- Inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2011, he was a pioneer for Japanese golfers.
Masashi Ozaki’s death marks the end of an era for Japanese golf, but his influence endures in the players he inspired and the records he set.
