Golf Legend 'Jumbo' Masashi Ozaki Passes Away at 78, Holding Record 94 Domestic Tour Wins
Masashi Ozaki, the legendary professional golfer affectionately known as 'Jumbo' and a giant in Japanese golf, passed away on December 23, 2025, at the age of 78 due to sigmoid colon cancer. Ozaki achieved a record 94 victories on the domestic tour, leading the Japanese golf world with his overwhelming driving distance and charisma. He, alongside Isao Aoki and Tsuneyuki Nakajima, forged the 'AON Era,' becoming a driving force behind the golf boom. In recent years, he also dedicated himself to nurturing young talent by establishing the 'Jumbo Ozaki Golf Academy,' leaving behind immeasurable achievements. Before transitioning to golf, Ozaki had an unusual career, having been the winning pitcher in the Spring Koshien High School Baseball Tournament and playing for the professional baseball team Nishitetsu Lions. After entering the world of golf at age 21, he blossomed, setting numerous milestones. He was also known as one of the 'Ozaki Brothers' along with ...