Two-time major champion Fuzzy Zoeller passes away at 74, remembered for Masters and US Open victories and 1997 racial controversy involving Tiger Woods
TWO-TIME major golf champion Fuzzy Zoeller has died at age 74, the PGA Tour announced on Thursday.
“The PGA Tour is saddened by the passing of Fuzzy Zoeller,” commissioner Jay Monahan said in a statement. “Fuzzy was a true original whose talent and charisma left an indelible mark on the game of golf.”
No cause of death was disclosed.
Zoeller remains the last player to win the Masters in his first attempt, triumphing at Augusta National in a three-way playoff in 1979.
He captured the 1984 US Open by beating Australian Greg Norman in a playoff at Winged Foot.
Zoeller famously waved a white towel in mock surrender when he mistakenly thought Norman had seized the lead with a birdie at the final hole of regulation.
Beloved by fans for his gregarious nature, Zoeller faced controversy in 1997 as 21-year-old Tiger Woods marched to victory in the Masters.
Asked to comment, Zoeller told CNN that “that little boy” was playing well.
“Tell him not to serve fried chicken next year …or collard greens or whatever they serve,” he added in reference to the champions’ dinner.
Zoeller apologized but said he received death threats for years.
In 2008 he wrote in Golf Digest that it was “the worst thing I’ve gone through in my entire life.
“If people wanted me to feel the same hurt I projected on others, I’m here to tell you they got their way,” he wrote, adding that he “cried many times” over the remarks.
“Still, I’ve come to terms with the fact that this incident will never, ever go away.”
Born Frank Urban Zoeller Jr. in New Albany, Indiana, he turned professional in 1973 after college golf.
Beyond his two major victories, he won eight other PGA Tour titles.
He won twice on the Champions Tour and represented the United States in three Ryder Cups. – AFP
