The golf world mourns the loss of Fuzzy Zoeller, a renowned champion and charismatic figure, whose career was marred by an unfortunate racially charged comment towards Tiger Woods. Zoeller, winner of two Grand Slam titles, passed away at the age of 74, according to reports from a close colleague.
The cause of his death was not immediately revealed. Brian Naugle, director of the Insperity Invitational tournament in Houston, confirmed the news after receiving a call from Zoeller’s daughter on Thursday.Fuzzy Zoeller, campeón del Masters y del Abierto de EE. UU., fue un personaje entrañable y un gran campeón del golf. Su carrera se vio afectada por un comentario racialmente insensible que hizo sobre Tiger Woods en el Masters de 1997.Zoeller achieved a historic victory at the 1979 Masters, being the last player to win this prestigious tournament in his first participation. His competitive spirit and charisma made him an iconic figure in golf.
A moment that marked his career was the 1997 Masters. In an interview with CNN, Zoeller made a controversial comment about Tiger Woods, who was about to achieve a historic victory at Augusta National. Zoeller said: “So, you know what you guys do when he gets here? You pat him on the back and say congratulations and enjoy it, and tell him not to serve fried chicken next year. Got it?”.
This incident haunted him for the rest of his career. Zoeller expressed in 2008: “I have cried many times. I have apologized countless times for words said in jest that do not reflect who I am. I have hundreds of friends, including people of color, who can attest to that. Still, I have accepted the fact that this incident will never go away.”
