Fuzzy Zoeller, two-time major champion haunted by racist comment about Tiger Woods, passes away at 74

Fuzzy Zoeller, a charismatic two-time major golf champion whose career was overshadowed by a racially insensitive remark about Tiger Woods, has died at the age of 74, according to a close associate. The cause of death has not been disclosed.

Brian Naugle, tournament director of the Insperity Invitational in Houston, shared that Zoellers daughter informed him of her fathers passing on Thursday.

Zoeller made history by becoming the last golfer to win the Masters in his first attempt, prevailing in a three-way playoff in 1979. He is also remembered for a dramatic moment at Winged Foot in 1984, when he prematurely celebrated what he thought was Greg Normans victory, only to triumph over Norman in an 18-hole playoff the following day.

However, Zoellers public image was forever affected by an incident at the 1997 Masters. As Woods achieved a historic and dominant win at Augusta National, Zoeller made a racially charged joke during an interview, which quickly became controversial. He later issued multiple apologies, describing the backlash and ensuing threats as the worst thing I've gone through in my entire life.

Reflecting on the incident in a 2008 Golf Digest piece, Zoeller admitted the remark did not represent his true character and acknowledged the lasting impact it had on his life. Despite this, he emphasized that he had many friends of all backgrounds who could vouch for his nature.

Zoellers professional achievements include two major victories, eight PGA Tour wins, and two PGA Tour Champions titles, including the Senior PGA Championship. He was known for his quick pace on the course and lighthearted demeanor, often whistling between shots.

In his Masters debut, Zoeller entered a three-way playoff and secured victory with a birdie on the second playoff hole, famously tossing his putter into the air in celebration. His 1984 Winged Foot duel with Norman also remains iconic, particularly the mistaken towel celebration that preceded his eventual playoff win.

Born Frank Urban Zoeller Jr. in New Albany, Indiana, he inherited the nickname Fuzzy from his father. Zoeller played at a junior college in Florida and later for the University of Houston before turning professional. He was married to Diane, who passed away in 2021, and had three children, including daughter Gretchen, with whom he competed in the PNC Championship.

In 1985, Zoeller received the Bob Jones Award from the USGA, the organizations highest honor recognizing distinguished sportsmanship in golf.

Fuzzy Zoeller: A Complex Legacy Remembered

Fuzzy Zoeller, who passed away at the age of 74, will forever be remembered as a charismatic golfer with undeniable talent, yet also as a figure whose career was marred by controversy. His passing brings a mix of sadness and reflection on a life that straddled both remarkable achievements and regrettable moments.

On one hand, Zoeller's accomplishments on the course are undeniable. His victory at the Masters in 1979 marked him as the last golfer to win on his first attempt, a feat unlikely to be matched in the future. The dramatic 1984 Winged Foot showdown with Greg Norman remains a highlight of Zoeller's career, showcasing his resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

However, his legacy is complicated by a racially insensitive comment made during the 1997 Masters, when Tiger Woods was dominating the tournament. Zoeller's ill-timed joke sparked significant backlash, and despite subsequent apologies, the damage to his reputation was lasting. Zoeller himself reflected on this incident years later, admitting it did not represent his true character. Yet, the stain of that comment would remain a defining part of his story.

As we remember Fuzzy Zoeller, it’s important to recognize both the highs and the lows of his career. While his achievements in golf are impressive, his legacy will also be shaped by the lessons learned from the controversies that shadowed his life. In this way, Zoeller's passing serves as a reminder of the complexities that often define public figures, where moments of brilliance are sometimes overshadowed by missteps.

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• Fuzzy Zoeller, two-time major champion haunted by racist joke about Tiger Woods, dies at 74