'Jumbo' Ozaki, Japanese Golf Legend and Hall of Famer, Dies at 78
Japanese golf legend Masashi 'Jumbo' Ozaki has died at age 78. We look back at the Hall of Famer's incredible career, including 94 wins on the Japan Tour, and his lasting legacy.
A giant of Japanese golf has passed away. Masashi "Jumbo" Ozaki, a larger-than-life figure who dominated the sport with his powerful drives and colorful personality, has died at the age of 78. His son, Tomoharu, announced in a statement Wednesday that the World Golf Hall of Fame inductee died of colon cancer on Tuesday.
A Legendary Career with 94 Wins
Ozaki's career was nothing short of dominant. He won an astounding 94 times on the Japan Tour, with his first victory coming in 1973. He led the tour's money list, the Order of Merit, a record 12 times. His immense length off the tee earned him the nickname "Jumbo," and his achievements secured his induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2011.
According to the statement obtained by AFP, Ozaki passed away from stage 4 sigmoid colon cancer. He was diagnosed about a year ago and had been receiving treatment at home. His son added that the funeral will be a private affair for close family.
Ageless Wonder: Shooting 62 at 66
Ozaki's competitive fire burned bright even in his later years. In 2013, at 66 years old, he achieved a remarkable feat: shooting his age. He fired a stunning nine-under-par 62 in the first round of the Tsuruya Open.
Shooting my age is not something I try to do. But if you can't shoot 6-under or 7-under par when you play good golf, you don't belong on the tour.
A Golf World in Mourning
Ozaki was the head of a successful golf family, with his younger brothers Naomichi (Joe) and Tateo (Jet) also ranking among the Japan Golf Tour's top 20 all-time money winners. The Yomiuri daily noted in an obituary that Ozaki "explosively elevated the popularity of golf (in Japan) with his overwhelming driving distance and colorful personality."
Yutaka Morohoshi, chairman of the Japan Golf Tour Organization, said the golf world had lost a "great." In a statement, he added, "He long steered the men's professional golf world and overwhelmed others with his unparalleled strength."
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