Masashi “Jumbo” Ozaki, whose 113 worldwide victories stand as the most by any Japanese player in history, died Wednesday in Japan after battling colon cancer, the Japan Golf Tour announced. He was 78.
Ozaki was a towering figure in Japanese golf – a powerful hitter with distinctive style who dominated the Japan Golf Tour with 94 wins spanning nearly three decades. His final victory came at the 2002 ANA Open when he was 55, showcasing his remarkable longevity.
He climbed as high as No. 5 in the world rankings in 1996 at age 49. While Ozaki’s international resume was limited – his only win outside Japan came at the New Zealand PGA Championship – his impact on golf transcended borders. He entered the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2011.
“He is an indispensable, one-of-a-kind figure in discussing men’s golf, both now and in the future,” the tour stated in a social media post.
Ozaki competed in 49 majors throughout his career. His closest brush with major championship glory came at the 1989 U.S. Open at Oak Hill, finishing just three shots behind Curtis Strange. He made his 19th and final Masters appearance in 2000 at age 53, tying for 28th.
Before Hideki Matsuyama’s breakthrough Masters victory in 2021, Ozaki was Japan’s most influential golfer. He paved the way for players like Isao Aoki (the first Japanese World Golf Hall of Famer) and later Matsuyama in a country that’s now passionate about the sport.
Ozaki’s dominance in Japan was staggering. He won the Japan Open five times and the Japan PGA Championship six times. He topped the Japan Golf Tour money list a record 12 times, including five straight from 1994 through 1998. At 55, he secured his final money title in 2002.
During his Hall of Fame induction, Ozaki acknowledged one regret: not playing more internationally.
“But I dedicated my life to Japanese golf and am extremely grateful the voters thought I was worthy of this honor,” he said upon receiving 50% of the vote on the International ballot.
Ozaki was often called the Arnold Palmer of Japanese golf. His powerful swing, charisma and distinctive fashion sense – silk shirts and baggy pants – made him instantly recognizable. But his talents extended beyond golf. He played guitar and even had three songs reach the pop charts in Japan.
Baseball was actually Ozaki’s first sporting love. He spent three years as a professional pitcher before turning to golf – experience that later influenced his teaching style. When young phenom Ryo Ishikawa burst onto the scene with a Japan Golf Tour win at just 15, he sought Ozaki’s mentorship.
“Jumbo used to be a baseball player, so he always tried to teach me the link from pitching or hitting to golf,” Ishikawa told The Associated Press in 2010. “Jumbo wanted me to hit the ball far.”
When competing outside Japan, Ozaki traveled with an entourage, often renting houses and bringing along a sushi chef to create a comfortable environment for his team.
Golf runs in the Ozaki family. His two younger brothers, Naomichi (Joe) and Tateo (Jet), also competed professionally.
Ozaki represented the International Team in the 1996 Presidents Cup, partnering with Vijay Singh to defeat the American pairing of Fred Couples and Davis Love III. Though he qualified again in 1998, he opted not to make the trip to Australia, with brother Joe taking his place.
