Ozaki amassed 113 victories worldwide, the most by any Japanese player, and built a legacy that spanned nearly three decades. He won 94 times on the Japan Golf Tour, where his power, confidence and distinctive style made him one of the most recognizable athletes in the country. His final tour victory came at the 2002 ANA Open, when he was 55.
At the height of his career, Ozaki climbed to No. 5 in the world rankings in 1996 at age 49. While his wins largely came in Japan, he remained a global presence through major championships, competing in 49 of them. His best major finish came at the 1989 U.S. Open at Oak Hill, where he finished three shots behind champion Curtis Strange.
The Japan Golf Tour described Ozaki as an irreplaceable figure in men’s golf, calling him central to any discussion of the sport’s past and future. His influence extended well beyond trophies. He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2011, becoming one of the most honored figures the country has produced.
Ozaki won the Japan Open five times and the Japan PGA Championship six times. He also topped the Japan Golf Tour money list a record 12 times, including five consecutive seasons from 1994 through 1998. His final money title came in 2002, the same year as his last tour win.
Despite his domestic dominance, Ozaki often reflected on not competing more frequently outside Japan. At his Hall of Fame induction, he said he had dedicated his life to Japanese golf and was grateful for the recognition, even while acknowledging that playing more internationally remained his lone regret.
Known for his charisma as much as his talent, Ozaki was frequently compared to Arnold Palmer for his powerful swing and connection with fans. He stood out for his fashion sense, often wearing silk shirts and loose-fitting pants, and cultivated a celebrity image rare in Japanese golf at the time. He also played guitar, with several of his songs reaching Japan’s pop charts.
Before golf, Ozaki’s first passion was baseball. He spent three years as a professional pitcher, a background that later shaped how he approached the golf swing. That crossover became a teaching point for younger players, including Ryo Ishikawa, who sought Ozaki’s advice regularly as a teenager.
Ozaki also competed in team events, including the 1996 Presidents Cup, where he partnered with Vijay Singh for a win over Fred Couples and Davis Love III. He qualified again in 1998 but declined to travel, allowing his younger brother Naomichi, known as Joe, to take his place.
He is survived by two brothers, Joe and Tateo, both of whom also played professionally. Ozaki’s death marks the loss of a pioneer whose impact helped transform golf into one of Japan’s most followed sports.
