The world of golf is mourning the loss of Frank Urban 'Fuzzy' Zoeller Jr., the two-time major winner whose legacy was profoundly shaped by both his historic victories and a single, racially charged joke about Tiger Woods. He was 74 years old.
News of his passing was confirmed on Thursday, with the tournament director of the Insperity Invitational, Brian Naugle, stating he had been notified by Zoeller's daughter. No cause of death was immediately provided.
A Career of Remarkable Highs
Zoeller's career was marked by extraordinary achievements that cemented his place in golf history. In 1979, he achieved a feat that had not been accomplished in over forty years, winning the Masters on his very first attempt at Augusta National.
His victory was sealed in a dramatic three-man playoff, where on the second extra hole, he hit a stunning approach shot to within six feet and sank the birdie putt, famously tossing his putter into the air in celebration. He once remarked, "I've never been to heaven. I guess winning the Masters is as close as I'm going to get."
Five years later, at the 1984 US Open at Winged Foot, Zoeller provided another iconic moment. Believing Greg Norman had sunk a long birdie putt to defeat him, Zoeller waved a white towel in surrender from the fairway. It turned out Norman had only made par, forcing an 18-hole playoff which Zoeller went on to win by a staggering eight shots.
Beyond his two major titles, Zoeller's record included eight additional PGA Tour wins, three Ryder Cup appearances, and two victories on the PGA Tour Champions circuit, including a Senior PGA Championship. Known for his quick pace of play and easygoing charm, he was a popular figure for his relatable demeanour.
The 1997 Masters and a Lasting Shadow
However, Zoeller's reputation was irrevocably altered during the 1997 Masters, where Tiger Woods was on the cusp of his groundbreaking first major victory. In an off-the-cuff interview with CNN, a relaxed Zoeller made a comment that would follow him for the rest of his life.
Referring to Woods, he said, "That little boy is driving well and he's putting well," before jokingly suggesting that officials should "tell him not [to] serve fried chicken next year … or collard greens or whatever the hell they serve."
The remarks sparked immediate and widespread outrage. Although Zoeller apologised, the damage was done. The blowback intensified when Woods took two weeks to respond while travelling. Zoeller later revealed he received death threats for years and described the incident as "the worst thing I've gone through in my entire life."
In a 2008 interview with Golf Digest, he expressed profound regret, stating, "If people wanted me to feel the same hurt I projected on others, I'm here to tell you they got their way." He acknowledged that the incident was something he would have to live with forever.
Legacy and Tributes
Former US President Donald Trump was among those who paid tribute, posting on Truth Social to call Zoeller a "highly respected and beloved Professional Golfer" and a "truly remarkable person and player."
Zoeller's career accolades also included the USGA's Bob Jones Award for sportsmanship in 1985. After turning professional in 1973, he built a life in the sport he loved, later often partnering with his daughter, Gretchen, in the PNC Championship.
His wife, Diane, passed away in 2021. He is survived by his three children. While his on-course achievements were significant, the story of Fuzzy Zoeller remains a complex tapestry of sporting brilliance and a personal lesson in the heavy cost of words.
