(9 June 1923 – 24 January 2022) was a Japanese professional golfer.
Professional career Ishii was born in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, and started playing golf at the age of 15. Ishii won a number of events on the Japanese and Asian circuits through the 1950s and 1960s. One of his top triumphs was at the 1964 Capitol Hills Open in Manila, Philippines on the Far East Circuit. Ishii was tied for the lead with Australian golfer Peter Thomson at the beginning of the fourth round. He outshot Thomson by four strokes over the course of the final round to win.
His good play helped him earn three consecutive special foreign invitations to the Masters in the mid-1960s. He was one of the first Asian players to play in the event. He made the cut the first two years. He also represented Japan in the Canada Cup in 1963 and 1964.
Personal life and death Ishii died on 24 January 2022, at the age of 98.
Professional wins (10) Far East Circuit wins (4) No.DateTournamentWinning scoreMargin ofvictoryRunner(s)-up11 Mar 1964Capitol Hills Open−4 (69-72-70-69=280)2 strokes Ben Arda215 Mar 1964Malayan Open−14 (70-75-70-67=282)1 stroke Brian Huggett, Tadashi Kitta314 Mar 1965Malayan Open (2)−10 (71-73-70-68=282)2 strokes Lu Liang-Huan, Guy Wolstenholme419 Mar 1967Thailand Open−5 (72-73-67-71=283)2 strokes Tony Jacklin, Kuo Chie-Hsiung
Other wins (6) 1953 Yomiuri Pro Championship 1961 Chunichi Crowns 1963 Kanto Open, Golf Nippon Series 1965 Kanto Open
1977 Japan PGA Senior Championship
Results in major championships Tournament196419651966Masters TournamentT40T26CUT CUT = missed the half-way cut "T" = tied for place Note: Ishii only played in the Masters Tournament.
Team appearances Canada Cup (representing Japan): 1963, 1964
References