Japanese golf legend Masashi “Jumbo” Ozaki, whose unparalleled dominance shaped an entire generation of golfers and elevated Japan’s standing in professional golf, has died at age 78 from colon cancer.
Unmatched Records Define Japanese Golf Legacy
Ozaki’s death marks the end of an era for Japanese professional golf. The man nicknamed “Jumbo” for his imposing height and powerful tee shots accumulated records that remain untouchable in Japanese golf. He led the Japan Golf Tour money list an astounding 12 times, including five consecutive years from 1994 to 1998. His 15 straight years of tournament victories showcased a level of sustained excellence rarely seen in professional sports.
Legendary Japanese golfer Jumbo Ozaki dead at 76 https://t.co/v0vCYbfs24 pic.twitter.com/qkRTQxoEyU
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) December 24, 2025
Japan Golf Tour Organization president Yutaka Morohoshi, who was Ozaki’s classmate, praised his former peer’s unwavering dedication. “He led men’s professional golf for a long time. An unparalleled player,” Morohoshi stated. “Constantly staying at the forefront, I’ve never seen a professional golfer with such unwavering strength.” These words reflect the respect Ozaki commanded throughout his career and the void his passing leaves in Japanese golf.
World Recognition and International Standing
Ozaki’s influence extended far beyond Japan’s borders. From 1989 to 1998, he spent nearly 200 weeks in the Official World Golf Rankings top 10, establishing himself among the world’s elite players. His friendship with legendary Spanish golfer Severiano Ballesteros demonstrated his acceptance within golf’s international community. The World Golf Hall of Fame recognized his contributions by inducting him in 2011, cementing his status alongside the sport’s greatest champions.
The comparison to Arnold Palmer in American golf speaks to Ozaki’s transformative impact on Japanese professional golf. Like Palmer elevated golf’s popularity in America, Ozaki’s dominance and charisma helped establish Japan as a serious force in professional golf. His records served as benchmarks for future generations, inspiring countless Japanese golfers to pursue excellence at the highest levels of competition.
Japanese golf legend Masashi “Jumbo” Ozaki passed away yesterday at the age of 78.
In honor of one of the game’s great characters and the winningest professional in Japanese golf history, Ozaki was the subject of a full Spotlight feature by @TheShotgunStart back in 2020.
Listen… pic.twitter.com/znjx1zbPHY
— Fried Egg Golf (@fried_egg_golf) December 24, 2025
Longevity and Strength That Defied Age
Perhaps most remarkably, Ozaki’s excellence continued well into his later years. He achieved victory at age 55 years and 241 days, surpassing Sam Snead’s PGA Tour record for oldest winner. At age 66, he shot an impressive 62-stroke round, demonstrating that his skills remained sharp despite advancing age. These achievements reflected not just talent, but the dedication and physical conditioning that defined his approach to professional golf.
Ozaki’s son announced the golf legend’s death Wednesday, revealing that colon cancer claimed the 78-year-old champion. The announcement prompted immediate tributes from across the golf world, with many noting that his passing represents the loss of a true icon. His legacy will endure through the records he established and the standard of excellence he maintained throughout his remarkable career in professional golf.
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Legendary Japanese golfer Jumbo Ozaki dead at 76