Sun Nov 30 15:00:00 UTC 2025: Golf Legend Fuzzy Zoeller Dies at 74: Career Marked by Major Wins and Racial Controversy
[City, State] – Frank “Fuzzy” Zoeller, a two-time major champion known for his affable personality and controversial remarks, has died at the age of 74. A cause of death was not immediately released. The news was confirmed by Brian Naugle, tournament director of the Insperity Invitational, who said he was informed by Zoeller’s daughter.
Zoeller, a native of New Albany, Indiana, captured the hearts of golf fans with his fast-paced play and jovial nature. He famously won the Masters Tournament in 1979 on his first attempt, becoming the last player to achieve this feat. He followed this with a victory at the 1984 U.S. Open, where he famously waved a white towel at Greg Norman, jokingly conceding defeat before ultimately winning in a playoff.
However, Zoeller’s career was also marked by a racially insensitive joke made during the 1997 Masters, as Tiger Woods was on his way to winning the tournament. Zoeller suggested Woods should not serve fried chicken or collard greens at the following year’s Champions Dinner.
The remarks sparked widespread outrage, and Zoeller later apologized, but the incident remained a lasting stain on his reputation. In a 2008 essay, Zoeller described the incident as the “worst thing” he had experienced and expressed remorse for the hurt he caused.
Despite the controversy, Zoeller remained a respected figure in golf, known for his sportsmanship and contributions to the game. He earned the USGA’s Bob Jones Award, its highest honor for sportsmanship, in 1985.
Zoeller also recorded eight other PGA Tour titles and a Senior PGA Championship among his two PGA Tour Champions titles. He is survived by his three children, including his daughter Gretchen. His wife, Diane, passed away in 2021.
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