Kenji Hosoishi

Kenji Hosoishi (born 25 March 1937) is a Japanese professional golfer.

Hosoishi abruptly had much success at the age of 24; as an "unknown" he defeated a number of "top players" to win the Japan Open.

In the late 1960s he had much success on the Asia Golf Circuit, winning the Indian Open in back-to-back years as well as the 1968 Malaysian Open.

After his win in Malaysia the legendary Australian golfer Peter Thomson stated that he "is likely to emerge as the number one star on this tour."

Hosoishi did not meet these expectations, however.

In 1961, he played the Japan Open held at Takanodai Country Club.

Hosoishi played very well and had a chance to win in regulation.

However his birdie putt on the final hole barely missed.

He finished at 289 (+1).

He entered a sudden-death playoff with Koichi Ono and Isao Katsumata, both of Japan, and Taiwan's Hsieh Yung-yo and Chen Ching-Po.

On the third playoff hole, in "semi-darkness," his par won the championship.

Hosoishi was considered an "unknown" at the time; his victory against these "top players" was a big surprise.

Two years later he won the Chunichi Crowns.

As of 1966, he was playing tournaments on the Asia Golf Circuit.

In March he finished in a tie for fifth at the Malayan Open.

In 1967 he would have much success on the Asia Golf Circuit.

He again played well at the Malaysian Open, finishing in a tie for eighth, three back of the champion.

In April he played the Indian Open.

He was seven shots back entering the final round.

Hosoishi shot a final round 68, tying the lowest score of the tournament.

He entered a sudden death play-off with England's Malcolm Gregson.

On the third playoff hole Gregson hit his approach into a bunker and Hosoishi won the championship.

In 1968, he had many highlights.

The first tournament he played of the season was the Philippine Open.

He finished T-3.

The following week, he finished T-2 at the Singapore Open.

The next week, he played the Malaysian Open.

He opened with a 69 (−3) to place himself in the top ten.

During the second round he shot a bogey-free 66 (−6), tying the best round of the day.

He held the midway lead with fellow Japanese Shigeru Uchida.

In the third round, he shot a four-under-par 68.

He held a three-stroke lead over Lu Liang-Huan.

Though he continued to play consistently on the leading Asian tours in the 1970s he did not win another significant event.

By the mid-1980s he had largely retired from work as a touring professional.

Hosoishi was born in Fukuoka Prefecture.

Later he moved to Nagoya.

He started playing golf at the age of 13.

Hosoishi started his golf career as a caddy.

Hosoishi had some success early in his career.

By April, he was in 12th place on the Order of Merit.