Japanese golf icon Masashi “Jumbo” Ozaki, widely regarded as the greatest player in the nation’s history, passed away on Tuesday after a battle with sigmoid colon cancer. He was 78.
The Japan Golf Tour Organization (JGTO) confirmed the news on Wednesday, noting that Ozaki had been diagnosed with the disease approximately one year ago. A family funeral has been held privately, with plans for a public farewell event to be announced in the future.
Born on January 24, 1947, in Tokushima Prefecture, Ozaki initially pursued a career in professional baseball, pitching and playing outfield for the Nishitetsu Lions (later Seibu Lions) from 1965 to 1967. At age 23, he transitioned to golf, turning pro in 1970 and quickly establishing himself as a dominant force.
Nicknamed “Jumbo” for his imposing 181 cm, 90 kg frame and booming drives—evoking the Boeing 747 jumbo jet that debuted around the same time—Ozaki amassed an unparalleled record. He secured 94 victories on the Japan Golf Tour, the most in its history, along with additional wins for a career total exceeding 110 tournaments (sources vary slightly between 112 and 114). His triumphs included five Japan Open titles and six Japan PGA Championships.
Ozaki’s charisma shone through dramatic comebacks, including four victories where he erased eight-shot deficits. “What made him charismatic was the fact that he won four times in which he came back from eight shots behind,” the JGTO has noted on its website. “He pulled off some incredible shots a number of times.”
Internationally, Ozaki made his mark early, becoming the first Japanese golfer to finish in the top 10 at the Masters Tournament with an eighth-place result in 1973. He competed in 19 Masters, 13 U.S. Opens, and represented the International Team at the 1996 Presidents Cup. His best major finish outside Japan was a tie for sixth at the 1989 U.S. Open, and he reached a career-high world ranking of No. 5.
He claimed the Japan Golf Tour money title a record 12 times, including a streak of five consecutive seasons from 1994. At 55, he became the tour’s oldest winner by triumphing at the 2002 ANA Open.
In 2011, Ozaki was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame, joining Isao Aoki as the only Japanese men to receive the honor. “Ozaki is often thought to be to Japanese golf what Arnold Palmer is to American golf,” the Hall of Fame website states. “His success has spawned an entire generation of Japanese golf professionals, both male and female.”
Upon his induction, Ozaki reflected: “I am very happy, very honoured and appreciate everyone who has supported me since I turned pro in 1970. My only regret is not playing more outside of Japan, but I dedicated my life to Japanese golf and am extremely grateful the voters thought I was worthy of this honour.”
Ozaki came from a golfing family; his younger brothers Tateo (“Jet”) and Naomichi (“Joe”) also enjoyed successful professional careers, ranking among the tour’s all-time money leaders.
The golf world has mourned the loss of a pioneer whose power, personality, and perseverance elevated the sport’s popularity in Japan and inspired countless players worldwide.
