The golf world is mourning the loss of Frank Urban "Fuzzy" Zoeller Jr., the charismatic two-time major champion whose career became forever linked to a racially insensitive joke about Tiger Woods. Zoeller passed away at the age of 74, according to Brian Naugle, tournament director of the Insperity Invitational in Houston.
The cause of death was not immediately available, but Naugle confirmed he received the news directly from Zoeller's daughter on Thursday. Zoeller's passing marks the end of a complex career that featured both remarkable athletic achievements and controversial moments that would define his public perception.
A Career of Triumphs and Controversy
Zoeller's golf legacy includes some of the sport's most memorable moments. He was the last player to win the Masters on his first attempt, capturing the green jacket in 1979 after a dramatic three-man playoff against Ed Sneed and Tom Watson. His victory celebration included flinging his putter high in the air after birdieing the second playoff hole.
Five years later, Zoeller added another major championship at the 1984 U.S. Open at Winged Foot. In one of golf's most iconic displays of sportsmanship, he waved a white towel when he thought Greg Norman had beaten him with a birdie putt on the 18th hole. The gesture proved premature when Zoeller discovered Norman had actually made par, forcing an 18-hole playoff that Zoeller would win by eight strokes.
The Tiger Woods Incident That Changed Everything
While Zoeller enjoyed popularity throughout much of his career, the 1997 Masters tournament marked a turning point. As Woods was completing his historic victory at Augusta National, Zoeller gave an interview to CNN while holding a drink under the clubhouse oak tree.
When asked about the 21-year-old Woods' dominant performance, Zoeller responded: "That little boy is driving well and he's putting well. He's doing everything it takes to win. So, you know what you guys do when he gets in here? You pat him on the back and say congratulations and enjoy it and tell him not serve fried chicken next year. Got it?" He added while walking away: "Or collard greens or whatever the hell they serve."
The comments, delivered with a smile and finger snap, sparked immediate controversy and would haunt Zoeller for the remainder of his career and life.
Lasting Impact and Legacy
Zoeller quickly apologized, but the damage was done. Woods took two weeks to respond as the controversy grew, and Zoeller later revealed he received death threats for years following the incident.
In a 2008 Golf Digest article, Zoeller called it "the worst thing I've gone through in my entire life." He wrote: "If people wanted me to feel the same hurt I projected on others, I'm here to tell you they got their way. I've cried many times. I've apologized countless times for words said in jest that just aren't a reflection of who I am."
Despite the controversy, Zoeller's golf accomplishments remain significant. Beyond his two major championships, he won eight other PGA Tour titles and added a Senior PGA Championship among his two PGA Tour Champions victories. He was known for his fast play and easygoing nature, often whistling between shots.
Zoeller was born in New Albany, Indiana, and inherited his "Fuzzy" nickname from his father. He played junior college golf in Florida before joining the University of Houston golf team and turning professional. His wife, Diane, passed away in 2021, and he is survived by three children, including daughter Gretchen, with whom he frequently competed in the PNC Championship.
In 1985, Zoeller received the USGA's Bob Jones Award, the organization's highest honor for distinguished sportsmanship, highlighting the complexity of a career that combined genuine sportsmanship with a moment of profound insensitivity that would forever shape his legacy.
