Masashi “Jumbo” Ozaki: A Golfing Legend Passes Away
Masashi “Jumbo” Ozaki, a golfing icon from Japan, passed away on December 23, 2025, at the age of 78, after a battle with colon cancer. With 113 worldwide victories, Ozaki holds the record for the most wins by a Japanese player. His impressive career spanned 29 years on the Japan Golf Tour, with his last win coming at the ANA Open when he was 55.
Ozaki was a beloved figure in Japan, known for his powerful swing, charisma, and sense of style. He rose to No. 5 in the world ranking in 1996 at the age of 49 and was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2011. Despite never winning outside of Japan, except for the New Zealand PGA Championship, Ozaki’s achievements have left a lasting impact on the golfing world.
A Legacy of Golfing Excellence
Ozaki’s golfing career was marked by numerous achievements, including 94 wins on the Japan Golf Tour, five Japan Open titles, and six Japan PGA Championship wins. He led the Japan Golf Tour money list a record 12 times, including five consecutive years from 1994 to 1998. Ozaki’s final money title came in 2002, when he was 55.
As a pioneer for Japanese golf, Ozaki inspired a generation of golfers, including Isao Aoki, the first Japanese player in the World Golf Hall of Fame, and Hideki Matsuyama, who became the first Japanese player to win a major at the 2021 Masters. Ozaki’s influence extended beyond golf, as he was also a talented musician, with three of his songs reaching the pop charts in Japan.
Ozaki competed in 49 majors, with his best finish coming in the 1989 U.S. Open at Oak Hill, where he finished three shots behind Curtis Strange. He played in the Masters 19 times, with his final appearance coming in 2000 at the age of 53. Ozaki’s legacy extends beyond his playing career, as he has inspired a new generation of golfers and left a lasting impact on the sport.
A Life of Passion and Dedication
Ozaki’s love for golf was evident in his dedication to the sport. He traveled with an entourage when competing in majors, often renting a house and bringing a sushi chef to ensure his team felt at home. Ozaki’s two younger brothers, Naomichi (Joe) and Tateo (Jet), also played on tour, and he often sought to pass on his knowledge and experience to younger players.
In a 2010 interview with The Associated Press, Ryo Ishikawa, who won his first Japan Golf Tour title at age 15, spoke about Ozaki’s influence on his career. Ishikawa said he would visit Ozaki about 10 times a year to seek advice, and Ozaki would often teach him about the link between pitching and golf. Ozaki’s passion for golf and his desire to share his knowledge with others have left a lasting impact on the sport.
Ozaki’s passing marks the end of an era in Japanese golf, but his legacy will continue to inspire and influence golfers for generations to come. As the Japan Golf Tour said in a social media post, “He is an indispensable, one-of-a-kind figure in discussing men’s golf, both now and in the future.” Ozaki’s dedication, passion, and achievements have cemented his place as one of the greatest golfers in Japanese history.
