"Tremendous ambassador for the game": Fans react as legendary Japanese golfer Masashi “Jumbo” Ozaki passes away aged 78

Legendary Japanese golfer Masashi Ozaki passed away at the age of 78. The tragic news came as a shock to the world, as golf fans on the internet poured in with tributes for the golf veteran.

Japan Golf Tour shared the news on X after Ozaki lost his life on December 23, battling with S-shaped colon cancer. The X post by JGTO was further reposted by Flushing It Golf on X. Take a look at the post:

Golf fans poured their heart out for Masashi "Jumbo" Ozaki in the comment section. While some mourned the golfer's passing, others praised him and reminisced about watching him play.

Take a look at some of the fan reactions on X:

"RIP. Ozaki was a tremendous ambassador for the game of golf," a fan wrote in comments. "🙏🏻 he was a legend. Loved watching him & his brothers. Especially, at The masters. I bought his Osaka J's Driver. J's Professional Weapon. One of the best drivers I ever owned," someone else penned. "RIP Jumbo Remember watching u at Laguna keys with Greg Norman Big skins game it was," an X-user commented. ""Jumbo" was a legend of Japanese golf. Sad to see him pass away," another comment read. "JOCFOPG -- JUMBO OZAKI COULD FLAT OUT PLAY GOLF ⛳️," a fan complimented the late golfer.

Apart from fans reacting to Masashi Ozaki's passing, one-time major champion Justin Rose also shared an X post for Ozaki, "a player and a gentleman." Even though Ozaki had an impactful tenure as a golfer, he had one regret in his life.

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When Japanese golfer Masashi Ozaki talked about one 'regret' he had

In 2011, Masashi Ozaki was elected to the World Golf Hall of Fame. After that, the Tokushima-born golfer expressed his happiness and was honored. He further appreciated the support he got since turning professional.

Ozaki further stated his regret of not playing more outside of Japan and also said:

"My only regret is not playing more outside of Japan, but I dedicated my life to Japanese golf and am extremely grateful the voters thought I was worthy of this honor..."

Ozaki won 94 times on the Japan Golf Tour Organization. His impressive golf career also included five Japan Open victories and six Japan PGA Championship titles. Apart from his dominance in Japan, Masashi Ozaki's only win outside his country was at the 1972 New Zealand PGA Championship.

Edited by Hitesh Nigam