(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
Japan wins
1953 Yomiuri Pro Championship
1961 Chunichi Crowns
1963 Kanto Open, Golf Nippon Series
1965 Kanto Open
Far East Circuit wins (4) 1964 Malayan Open, Capitol Hills Open 1965 Malayan Open 1967 Thailand Open
Senior wins
1977 Japan PGA Senior Championship
Results in major championships
CUT = missed the half-way cut
"T" = tied for place
Note: Ishii only played in the Masters Tournament.