Frank Urban 'Fuzzy' Zoeller Jr, the charismatic American golfer who secured two major championships but saw his legacy forever marked by a racially charged comment about Tiger Woods, has died at the age of 74.
His death was confirmed on Thursday, with the news relayed by Brian Naugle, a longtime colleague and tournament director of the Insperity Invitational. No immediate cause of death was provided.
A Career of Historic Highs
Zoeller's career was defined by remarkable early success. 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 to six feet and sank the birdie putt, famously tossing his putter into the air in celebration.
Five years later, at the 1984 US Open at Winged Foot, Zoeller provided another iconic golf moment. Believing Greg Norman had sunk a 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 Monday playoff which Zoeller went on to win by a commanding eight shots.
Beyond his major triumphs, Zoeller's record included eight additional PGA Tour titles, three Ryder Cup appearances for the United States, and two victories on the PGA Tour Champions circuit, one of which was a Senior PGA Championship. Known for his quick pace of play and cheerful whistling, he was a popular figure who relished competition.
The 1997 Masters and a Lasting Shadow
Despite his achievements and easygoing charm, Zoeller's reputation was irrevocably altered during the 1997 Masters. As Tiger Woods stormed towards his historic first major victory, a relaxed Zoeller was interviewed by CNN. With a drink in hand, he made a comment that sparked immediate and widespread outrage.
Referring to Woods, Zoeller 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."
Though Zoeller apologised, the damage was profound. The blowback intensified when Woods took two weeks to address the remarks. Zoeller later revealed he received death threats for years and described the incident in a 2008 Golf Digest interview as "the worst thing I’ve gone through in my entire life."
He expressed deep remorse, stating he had "cried many times" and offered "countless" apologies for words he said were a misguided attempt at humour. He acknowledged the incident would never, ever go away.
Legacy and Tributes
Former US President Donald Trump paid tribute on Truth Social, writing, "Very sad to hear that the highly respected and beloved Professional Golfer, Fuzzy Zoeller, has passed away," and calling him a "truly remarkable person and player."
Zoeller's career was also recognised with the USGA’s Bob Jones Award for sportsmanship in 1985. He turned professional in 1973 after playing college golf at the University of Houston. His wife, Diane, passed away in 2021. He is survived by his three children.
While his on-course accomplishments, particularly his fairy-tale Masters debut, secured his place in golf history, the remark from 1997 became an inescapable part of his story, a stark reminder of how a moment can redefine a lifetime of work.
