Fuzzy Zoeller, golf champion and controversial figure for joke to Tiger Woods, passes away

Fuzzy Zoeller, a renowned two-time major champion and a charismatic figure in golf, has passed away at the age of 74. The news was confirmed by a close colleague.

The causes of death are unknown at this time. Brian Naugle, director of the Insperity Invitational tournament in Houston, was informed by Zoeller’s daughter on Thursday.

Zoeller achieved a historic victory at the 1979 Masters, being the last player to win the tournament in his first participation, after a three-way tie. He is also remembered for a moment in 1984 at Winged Foot, where, believing he had lost to Greg Norman, he waved a white towel, only to win in a playoff the next day. However, the 1997 Masters marked a turning point in his career. Woods was on the verge of achieving a dominant victory at Augusta National. During an interview on CNN, Zoeller made a comment that generated controversy:

So, do you know what they do when he gets here? They pat him on the back and tell him congratulations and enjoy it and don’t serve fried chicken next year. Understood?

Fuzzy Zoeller

This comment haunted him for the rest of his career. In 2008, Zoeller wrote in a post:

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. Even so, I have accepted the fact that this incident will never disappear.

Fuzzy Zoeller