Torakichi Nakamura

[http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/14/sports/golf/14nakamura.html?_r=1&ref=obituaries&oref=slogin Torakichi Nakamura, 92, Golf Pioneer, Is Dead] ] was a Japanese golfer whose victory, with partner Koichi Ono, at the 1957 Canada Cup outside Tokyo helped to spur a boom in golf in Japan.

Nakamura, also known as "Pete", "Tora-san," and "the Putting God" [http://www.hdrjapan.com/index.php?option=com_myblog&show=Japanese-golf-legend-Torakichi-Nakamura-dies-at-92.html&Itemid=67 Japanese golf legend Torakichi Nakamura dies at 92] ] , was born in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture and became a caddy at the age of 14. He became a professional golfer at the age of 20. He won the Japan Open in 1952, and won it twice more in his career, and was the first Japanese player to play in the The Masters Tournament, in 1958. [http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/sports/20080213TDY28304.htm On The Fairway: Pioneer's passing not end of era] deadlink|date=July 2008]

In 1957, Nakamura and Ono teamed up to win the country championship over a field which included Sam Snead and Gary Player. Nakamura also won the individual championship, at Kasumigaseki Country Club in Saitama Prefecture.

In 1974, Nakamura became President of the Japanese Ladies' Professional Golf Association. He was a mentor and teacher to Hisako Higuchi, the current JLPGA chairwoman and a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame.

Tournament wins

"this list is probably incomplete"
*1952 Japan Open
*1956 Japan Open
*1957 Kanto Open, Japan PGA Championship, Canada Cup (team event with Koichi Ono and individual event)
*1958 Japan Open, Japan PGA Championship
*1959 Japan PGA Championship
*1960 Chunichi Crowns
*1962 Kanto Open, Japan PGA Championship
*1973 Japan PGA Senior Championship
*1976 Japan PGA Senior Championship

References

External links

[http://www.historicgolfphotos.com/?module=photo&action=ViewPhotoListBySubject&sid=203 Images of Torakichi Nakamura]