Fuzzy Zoeller, Two-Time Major Champion, Dies at 74
Fuzzy Zoeller, the charismatic and often unconventional golfer who captured two major championships and was known for his fast pace of play and easygoing demeanor, has died at the age of 74. His passing was reported on December 22, 2023.
Born Frank Urban Zoeller Jr. in New Albany, Indiana, he earned the nickname “Fuzzy” after his father, who was known only as “Fuzzy.” He attended junior college in Florida before joining the University of Houston golf team and turning professional.
Zoeller’s career reached its zenith with a stunning victory at the 1979 Masters Tournament. He found himself in a three-way playoff with ed Sneed and Tom Watson after Sneed bogeyed the last three holes. Zoeller secured the win with a birdie on the second playoff hole, famously flinging his putter high into the air in party. “I’ve never been to heaven,and thinking back on my life,I probably won’t get a chance to go,” he once said. “I guess winning the Masters is as close as I’m going to get.”
He added a second major championship at the 1984 U.S. Open at Winged Foot, where he engaged in a tense battle with greg Norman. Playing in the group behind Norman, Zoeller initially believed Norman’s long putt on the 18th hole was for birdie and waved a white towel in a gesture of sportsmanship. He later discovered it was for par, and his own par forced a playoff. Zoeller than dominated the 18-hole playoff, defeating Norman by eight strokes (67-75). He later regretted giving the towel away to a fan after regulation play, once joking, “If you happen to see a grungy white towel hanging around, get it for me, will you?”
Throughout his career, zoeller amassed eight other PGA Tour titles and two PGA Tour Champions titles, including a Senior PGA Championship. He was recognized for his sportsmanship, receiving the bob Jones Award from the USGA in 1985, the institution’s highest honor.
However, Zoeller’s career was also marked by controversy.In 1997, following Tiger Woods’ historic victory at the Masters, Zoeller made racially insensitive remarks.When asked for his thoughts on Woods by CNN, he 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 to serve fried chicken next year. Got it?” He added, “Or collard greens or whatever the hell they serve.”
The comments sparked widespread outrage. Zoeller apologized,but the incident continued to haunt him,and he later stated it was “the worst thing I’ve gone through in my entire life.” He revealed he received death threats and, in 2008, wrote in Golf Digest, “If people wanted me to feel the same hurt I projected on others, I’m here to tell you they got thier 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.” He acknowledged the incident would ”never, ever go away.”
Zoeller is survived by his three children, including daughter Gretchen, with whom he previously competed in the PNC Championship. His wife, Diane, passed away in 2021.
