Playing this week on the Japan Golf Tour, Masashi ‘Jumbo’ Ozaki took the concept of shooting one’s age to a whole new level.
Already the Tour’s leader in career wins, the 66-year-old Ozaki overpowered Yamanohara Golf Club Thursday, firing a 9-under 62 in the opening round to take a three-shot lead at the Tsuruya Open.
‘Shooting my age is not something I try to do,’ Ozaki explained to reporters after the round. ‘But if you can’t shoot 6 under or 7 under when you play good golf, you don’t belong on the tour.’
Ozaki notched his first win on the Japan Golf Tour in 1973, and since then has hoisted a trophy on 93 other occasions, more than any other player. He last won in 2002, and though he continues to play regularly has not made a cut since the Bridgestone Open in October 2011.
Ozaki’s round included nine birdies, two bogeys and an eagle on the par-5 17th hole. The veteran, who was elected to the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2011, would have tied his career-best round if not for a closing bogey on the home hole.
