Golf Hall of Famer Masashi "Jumbo" Ozaki Dies at 78 After Cancer Battle
Masashi Ozaki, widely known as Jumbo Ozaki, passed away on December 23, 2025, at the age of 78 after battling colon cancer.
Ozaki won a remarkable 113 tournaments worldwide, including 94 on the Japan Golf Tour, and was a dominant force in Japanese golf. He reached world No. 5 in 1996 at the age of 49 and spent more than 200 weeks ranked in the top 10. His achievements include five Japan Open titles and six Japan PGA Championships. He led the Japan Golf Tour money list a record 12 times, with an impressive streak of five consecutive years from 1994 to 1998, and secured his final money title in 2002 at age 55.
Throughout his career, Ozaki competed in 49 major championships. His best Masters finish was tied for eighth in 1973. He also tied for 10th at the 1979 Open and tied for 6th at the 1989 U.S. Open. Ozaki made 19 appearances at the Masters and was a regular at Augusta National from 1972 onward, though he did not compete there between 1980 and 1987.
In recognition of his contributions and prowess in golf, Ozaki was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2011.
On the international stage, he teamed with Vijay Singh in the 1996 Presidents Cup to secure a victory over Fred Couples and Davis Love III. Although he qualified for the 1998 Presidents Cup team, he did not play, with his brother Joe Ozaki taking his place.
Regarded as one of the greatest Japanese golfers ever, Masashi Ozaki inspired players like Hideki Matsuyama. The PGA Tour described him as an indispensable, one-of-a-kind figure in men's golf.
His legacy continues to influence the sport, particularly in Japan, where he remains a legendary figure.
