Tributes are flooding in for Japanese golfing icon Masashi ‘Jumbo’ Ozaki following news of his passing. The World Golf Hall of Fame inductee has died aged 78. The remarkably accomplished Japanese player remained a consistent presence in the world’s top 10 rankings throughout the 1990s.

With an unprecedented 94 victories on the Japan Golf Tour, he stands as the circuit’s most successful competitor by a considerable margin, while his 12 money list crowns spanning 25 years demonstrate remarkable staying power. After switching from baseball to golf during his 20s, he turned professional at 23 and competed across all four major championships alongside his domestic tour commitments.

Ozaki achieved top-10 placings at The Open, The Masters and the US Open, with a sixth-place finish in 1989 representing his finest major showing.

Notable figures from the golfing community have honoured the player, dubbed ‘Jumbo’ for his impressive driving distance. “I was left speechless upon hearing the sudden news of his passing. The golf world has lost a truly great man,” said Japan Golf Tour Organisation former chairman Yutaka Morohoshi, who was once Ozaki’s classmate.

“It is far too soon. However, Jumbo’s legacy will will undoubtedly be carried on. Rest in peace.”

Numerous supporters have posted their own commemorations of the star. “He’s was the best golfer Japan has produced,” one posted on social media.

“He was a legend. Loved watching him and his brothers. Especially at The Masters,” another commented. Others shared personal anecdotes about ‘Jumbo’, with one stating: “He was kind. Cool. Hit balls with me when I was a little guy. His business partners owned part of our club, warm up spot a couple of hours from Augusta.”

In the PGA Tour’s tribute, Ozaki was lauded for his achievements on his home tour alongside his brothers. “Ozaki’s exploits may have been lesser known on the world stage, as he competed and won mostly in Japan.

“But he was a larger-than-life figure in his home country and was largely credited with renewed popularity of the game and the JGTO with his go-for-broke playing style and charisma,” the tribute read.

“He even branched out to become a recording artist, with three singles reaching the Japanese pop charts in the late ’80s. His two younger brothers, Naomichi (“Joe”) and Tateo (“Jet”), were successful in their own right, finishing among the JGTO’s all-time money winners.”