Masters champion Fuzzy Zoeller dies at 74

The golf world is mourning the loss of one of its most enigmatic figures. Frank Urban "Fuzzy" Zoeller, a two-time major champion and known for his easy-going, popular manner, reportedly passed away on Thursday at the age of 74. The cause of death was not initially disclosed.

Zoeller, born in New Albany, Indiana, leaves behind a multi-faceted legacy: he was a golfer of outstanding class whose sporting triumphs were achieved on the biggest stages, but whose reputation was permanently tarnished by a racist comment made later in his career.

Fuzzy Zoeller - Last debut winner at the Masters

Zoeller's first major breakthrough on the PGA Tour came in spectacular fashion. In 1979, he won the Masters at Augusta National - in his very first start at the prestigious tournament. Zoeller prevailed in a dramatic play-off against Tom Watson and Ed Sneed. He still holds the historic record as the last golfer to win the Masters on his first appearance.

He once summed up the significance of this triumph himself: "I've never been to heaven, and when I think back on my life, I probably won't get the chance to go there either. I guess winning the Masters is the closest I'll get."

Five years later, in 1984, Zoeller secured his second major title at the US Open in Winged Foot. He defeated Australian Greg Norman in an 18-hole play-off. He is also remembered for an iconic gesture of sportsmanship: on the 18th hole of the regular round, Zoeller theatrically waved a white towel as he mistakenly assumed Norman had just sunk a Putt to win.

Ten-time PGA Tour winner and Sportsman of the Year

In addition to his two Major successes, Zoeller won a total of ten titles on the PGA Tour. He was also successful on the PGA Tour Champions, where he won two titles, including the Senior PGA Championship in 2002. Zoeller also played on three Ryder Cup teams for the United States.

His achievements were recognized in 1985 by the United States Golf Association (USGA), which presented him with the Bob Jones Award, the organization's highest award for outstanding sportsmanship in golf. The USGA recognized Zoeller as "one of a kind" and thanked him for the joy he had brought to the game of golf.

The controversy surrounding Tiger Woods

As brilliant as his sporting career was, Zoeller was overshadowed by a single incident in 1997 that permanently damaged his reputation. After Tiger Woods' historic and dominant victory at the Masters - the first major title won by an African-American - Zoeller made a racially charged comment in front of the CNN camera.

He urged viewers to congratulate Woods, but added the racially charged comment that Woods should "not serve fried chicken or collard greens or whatever the hell they're serving" at the Champions Dinner the following year ("Tell him not to serve fried chicken next year... Or collard greens or whatever the hell they serve."). The reference was to the menu that the Masters champion traditionally chooses for the following year's Champions Dinner.

The comments led to an outcry, the loss of sponsors and years of hostility. Zoeller apologized several times and described the incident in 2008 in an essay for Golf Digest as "the worst thing I've been through in my entire life". He insisted it was an unfortunate joke, but admitted: "I have asked countless times to apologize for words said in jest that simply do not reflect who I am."

A legacy of joy and complexity

Despite the ongoing controversy, Zoeller was remembered by many fans as an entertaining, fleet-footed golfer who approached the game with an infectious joy. He played fast and often whistled between shots, making him a crowd favorite.

Zoeller had been a widower since 2021 and is survived by his four children Sunny, Heidi, Gretchen and Miles as well as several grandchildren. With his death, golf not only loses a two-time major champion, but also one of the most colorful personalities of recent decades.