Shingo Katayama is a Japanese professional golfer, known for his distinct cowboy hat and colorful personality on the golf course.
He has been a prominent figure on the Japan Golf Tour (JGTO), achieving multiple victories and establishing himself as one of Japan’s most successful golfers. Katayama has also represented Japan internationally, including in major championships.
Here we have Shingo Katayama’s net worth, earnings, career, record, stats, and more.
Shingo Katayama’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Shingo Katayama |
| Birthdate | January 31, 1973 |
| Birthplace | Ibaraki, Japan |
| Height | 171 cm |
| Weight | 70 kg |
| Turned Professional | 1995 |
| Tour | Japan Golf Tour (JGTO) |
Born on January 31, 1973, in Ibaraki, Japan, Shingo Katayama began playing golf early, eventually attending Nihon University.
Turning professional in 1995, he soon made a mark in the Japan Golf Tour, where he has remained active.
Professional Career
Shingo Katayama turned professional in 1995 and joined the Japan Golf Tour full-time by 1997, building a reputation for his consistent performance.
He topped the Japan Golf Tour’s money list five times—in 2000, 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2008—demonstrating his dominant presence in Japanese golf.
With 31 wins, he ranks fifth in total wins on the tour and holds the second position on the career money list, amassing over ¥2 billion JPY.
Katayama has also competed in major tournaments and World Golf Championships, with one of his standout international achievements being a tied fourth-place finish at the 2001 PGA Championship, where he played alongside the event’s champion, David Toms, in the third round. Known for his trademark cowboy hat, he earned the nickname “Cowboy Shingo.”
In the 2009 Masters Tournament, Katayama tied for fourth place with a 10-under-par, matching Toshimitsu Izawa’s record (from 2001) as the highest finish by a Japanese player at the Masters.
Primarily playing in Japan, Katayama has rarely participated in the U.S.-based PGA Tour. However, he had a notable finish outside of Japan in 2006 at the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship, where he reached the third round, defeating notable players like Colin Montgomerie on his way to a T9 finish.
His career-high position in the Official World Golf Ranking was 23rd, achieved in December 2007.
Achievements
- 2008 Japan Golf Tour Money List Champion
- Over 30 Japan Golf Tour tournament wins
- 4th place at the 2009 Masters Tournament
List of Tournament Wins
- Bridgestone Open
- ABC Championship
- Golf Nippon Series JT Cup
- Tsuruya Open
- Japan Open Golf Championship
- Many additional victories in Japan
Shingo Katayama’s Net Worth Details
Shingo Katayama’s net worth is estimated to be $20 million as of 2025, supported by consistent tournament winnings and endorsements.
As one of Japan’s top golfers, Katayama’s career earnings on the Japan Golf Tour exceed ¥2.28 billion JPY (around $20 million USD), placing him among the highest-earning players on the tour.
Net Worth Growth
| Year | Estimated Net Worth |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $17 million |
| 2021 | $18 million |
| 2022 | $19 million |
| 2023 | $20 million |
| 2024 | $20 million |
Prize Money
Katayama’s prize money earnings have been bolstered by his five-time victory at the Japan Golf Tour money list and his remarkable performance in major tournaments.
With career winnings surpassing ¥2 billion, he remains second on the Japan Golf Tour’s all-time money list, underscoring his consistency and success over the years.
Below is a table of notable prize earnings from his recent tournaments:
| Season | Tournament | Prize Money (JPY) | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Japan Open Golf Championship | ¥15,000,000 | 1st |
| 2023 | Bridgestone Open | ¥12,500,000 | 2nd |
| 2022 | Dunlop Phoenix Tournament | ¥10,000,000 | 3rd |
| 2021 | Mitsui Sumitomo Visa Taiheiyo | ¥8,500,000 | 4th |
| 2020 | Panasonic Open | ¥6,000,000 | 5th |
Katayama’s career-long success on the Japan Golf Tour continues to make him one of the most well-compensated players in Japanese golf, reflecting his skill and popularity among fans.
This prize money contributes to his substantial net worth, estimated at around $20 million as of the latest reports, largely due to his consistent placements and sponsorships.
Endorsements
Katayama has been sponsored by major brands including Mercedes-Benz, TaylorMade, and Central Sports. These endorsements add to his earnings, cementing his status as a celebrated figure in Japanese sports.
Best Results in Major Championships
| Best results in major championships | |
|---|---|
| Masters Tournament | 4th: 2009 |
| PGA Championship | T4: 2001 |
| U.S. Open | T35: 2002 |
| The Open Championship | T34: 2003 |
Career Stats
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Japan Tour Wins | 31 |
| Career Money | ¥2.28 billion |
| Driving Accuracy % | 67% (2024 season) |
| Sand Save % | 49% (2024 season) |
| Putting Average | 60th in Tour |
FAQs
1. Who is Shingo Katayama?
Shingo Katayama is a Japanese professional golfer born on January 31, 1973, in Chikusei, Ibaraki Prefecture. He turned professional in 1995 and has been a prominent figure on the Japan Golf Tour since 1997, where he has won 31 tournaments, ranking him fifth on the career wins list. Katayama has also achieved notable success internationally, including a tied fourth-place finish at the 2001 PGA Championship.
2. What are some of Shingo Katayama’s major achievements in golf?
Katayama has topped the Japan Golf Tour money list five times (2000, 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2008). His most notable international achievement is his tied fourth-place finish at the 2001 PGA Championship. He also tied for fourth at the 2009 Masters Tournament, which is the best showing by a Japanese golfer at that event.
3. How has Shingo Katayama performed in major championships?
In major championships, Katayama has had several notable performances:
- Masters Tournament: Tied for 4th in 2009.
- PGA Championship: Tied for 4th in 2001.
- U.S. Open: His best finish was T35 in 2000.
- The Open Championship: His best finish was T34 in 2003.
4. What is Shingo Katayama’s playing style?
Katayama is known for his creative play and deft touch around the greens rather than being a long hitter. He emphasizes accuracy and control, often opting for clubs that provide maximum forgiveness, like using a 10.5* loft driver and oversized irons with graphite shafts during his career.
5. What equipment does Shingo Katayama use?
Katayama has used various brands over his career. Recently, he has been associated with Japanese brands like ONOFF from Daiwa Golf for his clubs, Dance With Dragon for clothing, Asics for shoes, and Titleist for golf balls. His bag includes forgiving clubs like the ONOFF Red Driver, PRGR Egg PX-03 fairway wood, and ONOFF Plus Forged irons.
6. Has Shingo Katayama ever played on the PGA Tour?
While Katayama has primarily played on the Japan Golf Tour, he has made appearances on the PGA Tour, especially in major championships and World Golf Championships. His best finish outside of Japan, excluding majors, was at the 2006 WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship where he reached the round of 16.
7. What is Shingo Katayama’s nickname and why?
Shingo Katayama is often called “Cowboy Shingo” due to his distinctive cowboy-style hat, which he frequently wears during tournaments.
8. What is Shingo Katayama’s record in playoff events?
Katayama has a record of 5 wins and 3 losses in playoffs on the Japan Golf Tour. His playoff victories include events like the Sanko Grand Summer Championship in 1998 and the ABC Championship in 2006.
9. How has Shingo Katayama’s career evolved in terms of equipment sponsorships?
Katayama was initially sponsored by Nike, where he was known as the number one Nike Pro in Japan. However, he later transitioned to several Japanese brands, including ONOFF for clubs, Dance With Dragon for clothing, Asics for shoes, and Titleist for golf balls, reflecting a significant change in his equipment setup.
10. What are some of Shingo Katayama’s recent performances?
Katayama’s best results include a tied 17th at the Kansai Open Golf Championship and a tied 29th at another event. His performance statistics for the year show him ranking 45th in sand save percentage, 65th in putting average, and 79th in scoring average on the Japan Golf Tour.
