Isao Aoki, nicknamed ‘Tower’ after the Tokyo Tower because of his height, has certainly lived up to that moniker thoughout his career.
Aoki first rose to prominence in the U.S. when he went head-to-head with Jack Nicklaus for four days at the 1980 U.S. Open at Baltusrol Golf Club, eventually finishing as runner-up after Nicklaus posted a record-setting 272.
He again made headlines in 1983 when he struck one of golf’s most famous shots. Aoki won the PGA TOUR’s Hawaiian Open by holing a pitching wedge from 128 yards out for an eagle-3 on the 72nd hole, overtaking Jack Renner for victory.
His Hawaiian Open title is just one of his more than 70 tournament victories worldwide. Aoki, among Japan’s most celebrated golfers, is that country’s only player to claim titles on six different Tours: PGA TOUR, Champions Tour, PGA European Tour, Australasian Tour, Japan Golf Tour and Japan Senior Tour.
Aoki was introduced to golf as a caddie at the Abiko Golf Club and to date has tallied nine Champions Tour victories. During that time he has also led the Japan Golf Tour in earnings five times, played on Japan’s Kirin Cup team three times and won four consecutive Japan Senior Open crowns.
He becomes the first Japanese man to be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.
