Tokyo, Japan: Golf is mourning the passing of Taizo ‘Tai’ Kawata at the age of 82. Born in Tokyo on February 20, 1944, he went on to become one of the most prominent and influential figures from the Asia-Pacific golf industry over the past half-century.

Described as ‘a true international ambassador for the game’, Kawata distinguished himself in many areas of the game – as an acclaimed golf course architect, a respected rules official, an admired administrator and an authoritative commentator.

As well as serving on the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC) Board and acting as non-playing captain of the triumphant Bonallack Trophy teams in 2002 and 2004, Kawata was instrumental in helping to establish the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship, an event founded in 2009 by the APGC, the Masters Tournament and The R&A.

Philip Hassall, Chairman of the APGC, said: “We are saddened to hear of Taizo’s passing. He was a true gentleman who always had time for everyone. He served the APGC with distinction in numerous positions, making significant contributions to many areas of the game in our region – and beyond.”

Taimur Hassan Amin, Hassall’s predecessor as APGC Chairman, said: “Taizo’s passing is a huge loss to Asian golf. After defeats in the first two editions of the Bonallack Trophy, Taizo was appointed captain and led the Asia-Pacific to its first two victories against the Europeans, in Japan in 2002 and Italy in 2004. He was a big supporter of the APGC and a major part of the Japan Golf Association for many years. Above all, he was a man of great integrity.”

Admired in golfing circles around the world, Kawata was a member of The R&A since 1990 and a long-time member of The Open Rules Committee, serving as a Rules official at 19 Open Championships.

In his native country, Kawata held a variety of leadership roles, serving as Managing Director and International Committee Chair for the Japan Golf Association (JGA) and Executive Board Member of the Japan Olympic Committee. He was also Special Advisor/Director to the Japanese Society of Golf Course Architects.

In 2013, he was the recipient of the United States Golf Association’s (USGA) prestigious Joe Dey Award – the first non-American to receive the annual award, which recognises volunteer service to the game of golf.

In his acceptance speech, Kawata was typically humble. He said: “Winning this award is a huge honour for me, considering who the award is named after and all the past recipients who served the game of golf with such distinction and dedication. I am humbled by the USGA’s recognition and will use it as a reminder and motivation to continue my passionate service to the game around the world.”

Kawata’s association with the USGA began in 1981 when he served as a colour commentator for Japanese television’s broadcast of the US Open.

In 2001, Kawata became a member of the USGA Rules Committee, and he served as a Rules official for the US Open and US Senior Open for more than a decade. In addition, he worked tirelessly as a USGA international ambassador, advancing the association’s interests throughout Asia. He was a driving force behind the effort to establish and stage US Open Sectional Qualifying in Japan, which began in 2005.

Kawata began playing golf at the age of 20, and competed in the Japan Open, the Japan Amateur and other competitive events. He joined Kasumigaseki Country Club in 1964 and was a five-time club champion there.

Kawata attended Ohio State University, where he played baseball. After returning to Japan, he graduated from Rikkyo University in Tokyo with a degree in political science.