The incredible resume of Isao Aoki added another accolade this week in Japan.

The 2004 World Golf Hall of Fame inductee was honored by the Japanese government this week as one of 20 recipients of a Person of Cultural Merit, awarded to people who have made outstanding cultural contributions for the advancement and development of Japanese culture.

Aoki turned professional 60 years ago in 1964 and has largely been credited for growing the sport in the country, which has subsequently led to the emergence of Shigeki Maruyama, Satoshi Kodaira, Ryuji Imada, Ryo Ishikawa and Hideki Matsuyama, amongst others, on the PGA TOUR. 

As the first Asian golfer to win on the PGA TOUR following his historic triumph at the 1983 Sony Open in Hawaii, Aoki enjoyed a stellar golf career where he claimed 51 (!!) wins on the Japan Golf Tour and one on the DP World Tour. 

He also finished runner-up at the 1980 U.S. Open falling to Jack Nicklaus in a memorable duel at Baltusrol Golf Club.

Aoki finished inside the top 10 in 12 of his first 13 career PGA TOUR Champions major starts. 

He served as Chairman of the Japan Golf Tour Organization for eight years, from 2016 to 2024. 

“I am thrilled to be selected as a Person of Cultural Merit in the year of my 60th anniversary as a professional golfer,” said the now 82-year-old Aoki. 

“I am truly grateful to the people around me who have supported me for many years.” https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ga6LacoXkAA-kek.jpg https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ga6Lbr6WUAAgS_i.png