Fuzzy Zoeller, a two-time major champion and one of the most charismatic figures in golf, has passed away at the age of 74, as confirmed by a longtime associate. His career was marred by a racially insensitive remark directed at Tiger Woods.

The specific cause of death has not yet been disclosed. Brian Naugle, who serves as the tournament director for the Insperity Invitational in Houston, shared that Zoeller’s daughter contacted him on Thursday to convey the news.

In 1979, Zoeller made history as the last player to secure a Masters victory on his first attempt, winning in a three-way playoff. He is also well-remembered for waving a white towel at Winged Foot in 1984, mistakenly believing that Greg Norman had defeated him, only to triumph over Norman the next day in an 18-hole playoff.

However, it was the 1997 Masters that significantly impacted his public image.

During this event, Woods was en route to a groundbreaking victory, marking the most dominant win in the history of Augusta National. After completing his round, Zoeller was enjoying a drink beneath the oak tree near the clubhouse when a CNN reporter approached him for his thoughts on the young Woods, who was poised for an unprecedented success at Augusta.

“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 serve fried chicken next year. Got it?,” Zoeller remarked.

He smiled and snapped his fingers, and as he turned to leave, he added, “Or collard greens or whatever the hell they serve.”

This incident followed him throughout his career.

Zoeller issued an apology, but it took Woods two weeks to respond as the controversy continued to gain traction. He later revealed that he received death threats for several years following his comment.

In a 2008 piece for Golf Digest, he described it as “the worst thing I’ve gone through in my entire life.”

“If people wanted me to feel the same hurt I projected on others, I’m here to tell you they got their way,” Zoeller expressed. “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 with the fact that this incident will never, ever go away.”

This controversy overshadowed a career that included two prestigious major titles, eight additional PGA Tour titles, and a Senior PGA Championship among his two PGA Tour Champions victories.

Beyond his victories, it was his unique approach to the game that made him stand out. Zoeller played at a swift pace while maintaining a laid-back demeanor, often whistling between shots.

He made his first appearance at the Masters in 1979, where he reached a three-way playoff after Ed Sneed bogeyed the final three holes. Zoeller triumphed over Sneed and Tom Watson with a birdie on the second playoff hole, famously launching his putter into the air.

“I’ve never been to heaven, and thinking back on my life, I probably won’t get a chance to go,” Zoeller once stated. “I guess winning the Masters is as close as I’m going to get.”

Waving the white towel

During the 1984 U.S. Open, Zoeller was engaged in a tense battle with Norman at Winged Foot, trailing behind and observing Norman sink putt after putt. When he saw Norman make a long putt on the 18th, he mistakenly believed it was for birdie and began waving a white towel as a gesture of sportsmanship.

It was only afterward that he realized Norman’s putt was for par, and Zoeller managed to make par himself, forcing a playoff. In the subsequent 18-hole playoff, he secured a victory by eight strokes (67-75). His only regret was giving away the towel to a young fan after completing regulation.

“If you happen to see a grungy white towel hanging around, get it for me, will you?” he once requested.

Born Frank Urban Zoeller Jr. in New Albany, Indiana, Zoeller shared that his father was known simply as “Fuzzy,” a name that he inherited. He played at a junior college in Florida before joining the esteemed Houston golf team and turning professional.

His wife, Diane, passed away in 2021. Zoeller is survived by three children, including his daughter Gretchen, with whom he competed in the PNC Championship. In 1985, he was honored with the Bob Jones Award by the USGA, the organization’s highest accolade for remarkable sportsmanship.