FUZZY ZOELLER, TWO-TIME MAJOR CHAMPION, DIES AT 74
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Fuzzy Zoeller, the two-time major champion and one of golf's most charismatic figures, has died at 74. Brian Naugle, tournament director of the Insperity Invitational in Houston, said Zoeller's daughter notified him of the news. A cause of death was not immediately available.
Born Frank Urban Zoeller Jr. in New Albany, Indiana, Zoeller turned professional in 1973 after playing college golf at Edison Junior College and the University of Houston. Known for his outgoing personality and playful demeanor on the course, he won ten PGA Tour events, including the 1979 Masters and the 1984 U.S. Open.
Zoeller made history at Augusta National by becoming the last player to win the Masters on his first attempt. In a three-way playoff, he defeated Ed Sneed and Tom Watson with a birdie on the second extra hole, famously tossing his putter into the air in celebration.
His 1984 U.S. Open triumph at Winged Foot saw a dramatic 18-hole playoff against Greg Norman. Zoeller, believing Norman had holed a winning birdie putt, waved a white towel from the fairway in sportsmanship. The putt was actually a par, forcing a playoff that Zoeller dominated.
Despite his accomplishments, Zoeller's legacy was marred by a racially insensitive remark about Tiger Woods during the 1997 Masters. Asked by CNN for his thoughts on the 21-year-old Woods, Zoeller said, "That little boy is driving well and he's putting well. He's doing everything it takes to win. So, you know what you guys do when he gets in here? You pat him on the back and say congratulations and enjoy it and tell him not serve fried chicken next year ... or collard greens or whatever the hell they serve."
Zoeller later described the incident as the most difficult experience of his life. He revealed that it caused him deep emotional pain, leading to many tears and repeated apologies for words that were intended as a joke and did not reflect his true character.
Zoeller was awarded the USGA's Bob Jones Award in 1985 for sportsmanship. He is survived by three children, including daughter Gretchen, with whom he often played in the PNC Championship. U.S. President Donald Trump paid tribute, saying, "Very sad to hear that the highly respected and beloved Professional Golfer, Fuzzy Zoeller, has passed away ... A truly remarkable person and player, he will be missed!"
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