Fuzzy Zoeller, a two-time major champion and celebrated figure in professional golf, has died at the age of 74.
Zoeller’s passing marks the end of an era for a player known as much for his colourful personality and playful banter as for his on-course achievements. He won the Masters Tournament in 1979 and the U.S. Open in 1984, amassing 10 victories on the PGA Tour throughout his career.
The Indiana native is perhaps equally remembered for a controversial comment made after Tiger Woods‘s historic 1997 Masters victory. When asked about what Woods might choose for the Champions Dinner menu,zoeller remarked,”You pat him on the back and say congratulations and enjoy it and tell him not to serve fried chicken next year. Got it? Or collard greens or whatever the hell they serve.”
Zoeller afterward apologized,stating his words had been misconstrued. In a 1998 Golf Digest article, he wrote, “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. I have hundreds of friends, including people of colour, who will attest to that. Still, I’ve come to terms wiht the fact that this incident will never, ever go away.”
Despite the lasting shadow of that incident, Zoeller’s contributions to golf were widely recognised. PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan described him as “a true original whose talent and charisma left an indelible mark on the game.”
Monahan added, “Fuzzy combined competitive excellence with a sense of humour that endeared him to fans and fellow players alike. We celebrate his remarkable legacy and extend our deepest condolences to his family.”
