Fuzzy Zoeller Dies: Golf Legend with a Sour Taste Due to Controversy

Fuzzy Zoeller, a renowned golf champion known for his charisma, has passed away at the age of 74, according to a close colleague. His sporting career, marked by two major titles, was marred by a racially insensitive comment directed at Tiger Woods. The cause of his death has not been revealed. Brian Naugle, director of the Insperity Invitational tournament in Houston, communicated that the news was given by Zoeller’s daughter. Zoeller stood out for being the last player to win the Masters in his first participation, achieving victory in a playoff in 1979. He is also remembered for his gesture in 1984 at Winged Foot, when he waved a white towel believing that Greg Norman had surpassed him, although he finally defeated Norman in a playoff the next day. However, the 1997 Masters marked a turning point in his popularity. Woods was on the verge of achieving a historic victory at Augusta National. Zoeller, after finishing his round, was approached by a media outlet and asked for his opinion on Woods, 21 years old, who was heading for a dominant victory.

That boy is playing well and is putting well. He’s doing everything he needs to win. So, you know what you do when he gets in here? You pat him on the back and tell him congratulations and enjoy it and tell him not to serve fried chicken next year. Understood?

Fuzzy Zoeller

The comment, accompanied by a smile and a snap of the fingers, haunted him for the rest of his career. Zoeller publicly apologized. Woods took two weeks to respond because he was traveling, while the controversy intensified. Zoeller revealed that he received death threats for years as a result of this incident. In 2008, Zoeller wrote that it was “the worst thing I’ve ever been through in my entire life”. His legacy includes two major titles, eight PGA Tour victories, and a PGA Senior Championship, among other achievements.

Beyond his victories, Zoeller was characterized by his fast play and relaxed attitude, often whistling between strokes. His Masters debut was in 1979, where he reached a three-way playoff. Zoeller defeated Sneed and Tom Watson with a birdie on the second playoff hole. In 1984, at Winged Foot, Zoeller faced Norman. Seeing Norman make a 40-foot putt on the 18th hole, he assumed it was for birdie and waved a white towel in a sign of sportsmanship. Later, he realized it was for par and forced a tiebreaker. Zoeller won the 18-hole playoff by eight strokes (67-75). His only regret was giving his towel to a child after finishing the round. Frank Urban Zoeller Jr. was born in New Albany, Indiana. He played at a community college in Florida before joining the Houston golf team before turning professional. His wife, Diane, passed away in 2021. Zoeller had three children, including his daughter Gretchen, with whom he used to play in the PNC Championship. Zoeller received the Bob Jones Award from the USGA in 1985, the organization’s highest honor for outstanding sportsmanship.