Masashi “Jumbo” Ozaki, Japan’s most successful golfer with 113 worldwide victories, died Wednesday at age 78 in Japan after battling colon cancer, AP reported.
Ozaki dominated the Japan Golf Tour for nearly three decades, winning 94 titles over a 29-year period. He claimed his final victory at the 2002 ANA Open at age 55. Fans admired him for his powerful drives, distinctive style, and charismatic personality, which earned him the nickname “Jumbo.”
In 1996, Ozaki rose to No. 5 in the world rankings at age 49. Although he built most of his career in Japan, he also won the New Zealand PGA Championship, his only victory outside the country. The World Golf Hall of Fame inducted him in 2011.
Ozaki competed in 49 major championships. He recorded his best major finish at the 1989 U.S. Open at Oak Hill, where he finished three shots behind Curtis Strange. He played in the Masters Tournament 19 times and made his final appearance in 2000, finishing tied for 28th at age 53.
He won the Japan Open five times and the Japan PGA Championship six times. Ozaki also topped the Japan Golf Tour money list a record 12 times, including five consecutive seasons from 1994 to 1998. He won his final money title in 2002.
