Fuzzy Zoeller, the two-time major golf champion whose career became forever linked to a racist remark about Tiger Woods, has died at age 74. The news was confirmed on November 27, 2025, marking the end of a complex legacy that mixed golf excellence with controversy.
A Championship Golf Career
Frank Urban "Fuzzy" Zoeller enjoyed significant success on the PGA Tour during his professional career. He captured two major championships - the 1979 Masters Tournament and the 1984 U.S. Open - establishing himself as one of golf's prominent figures during the late 1970s and 1980s.
Zoeller was known for his relaxed demeanor and crowd-pleasing personality, often seen smiling and engaging with spectators during tournaments. His victory at the 1979 Masters came in a playoff against Ed Sneed and Tom Watson, making him one of the few golfers to win the prestigious tournament in his first appearance.
The Tiger Woods Controversy
Zoeller's career took a dramatic turn in 1997 following Tiger Woods' historic Masters victory. After Woods became the first African American to win the tournament, Zoeller made offensive comments that would haunt him for the rest of his life.
During television coverage, Zoeller suggested that Woods' fellow competitors should "not serve fried chicken next year... or collard greens or whatever the hell they serve" at the champions dinner. The remarks were widely condemned as racist stereotypes, sparking immediate backlash from the golf community and beyond.
The incident led to Zoeller losing multiple endorsement deals, including his long-standing relationship with Kmart. He issued public apologies, stating he meant the comments as jokes and didn't intend to offend, but the damage to his reputation proved lasting.
Later Years and Legacy
Despite the controversy, Zoeller remained involved in golf through various avenues. He competed on the Champions Tour for golfers over 50 and continued to make occasional appearances at PGA Tour events. He also pursued golf course design and maintained business interests in the sport.
Zoeller's death at 74 closes a chapter in golf history that serves as a reminder of how quickly words can overshadow athletic achievement. His career highlights the complex intersection of sports, personality, and social responsibility that continues to challenge professional athletes.
The golf community now remembers both his championship victories and the cautionary tale about the power of public statements. His legacy remains divided between his on-course accomplishments and the racial controversy that came to define his public image in later years.
