Fuzzy Zoeller, a two-time major champion and one of golf’s most colorful personalities—whose career was shadowed by a racially insensitive joke about Tiger Woods—has died at the age of 74, a longtime colleague confirmed.
The cause of death has not been disclosed. Brian Naugle, tournament director of the Insperity Invitational in Houston, said Zoeller’s daughter shared the news on Thursday.
“Fuzzy was a true original whose talent and charisma left an indelible mark on the game of golf,” the PGA Tour said in a statement. “He combined competitive excellence with a sense of humor that endeared him to fans and fellow players alike. We celebrate his remarkable legacy and extend our deepest condolences to his family.”
Fuzzy Zoeller has passed away at the age of 74.
Zoeller was the last player to win the Masters on his first attempt, claiming victory in a three-man playoff in 1979. He later made headlines at the 1984 U.S. Open at Winged Foot, where he waved a white towel in celebration, thinking Greg Norman had beaten him—only to defeat Norman in an 18-hole playoff the following day.
However, it was the 1997 Masters that would redefine his public image. That year, Tiger Woods delivered one of the most dominant victories in Augusta National history, marking a watershed moment in golf.
During a CNN interview praising Tiger Woods’ performance, Zoeller ended with a comment that sparked widespread controversy:
“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?”
Smiling and snapping his fingers, he added as he walked away, “Or collard greens or whatever the hell they serve.”
Fuzzy Zoeller and Tiger Woods during the 1998 Masters.
That moment would haunt Zoeller for the rest of his career.
In a 2008 Golf Digest column, he reflected:
“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 color, who will attest to that. Still, I’ve come to terms with the fact that this incident will never, ever go away.”
