Fuzzy Zoeller, two-time major champ, dies at 74

Frank “Fuzzy” Zoeller, a two-time major champion, died on Wednesday. He was 74.

Zoeller, whose nickname came from the initials of his name (Frank Urban Zoeller), was known as one of golf’s more affable characters thanks to a quick wit and laid-back disposition. Born and raised in New Albany, Ind., Zoeller attended Edison Junior College before transferring and finishing his education at the University of Houston. He turned professional in 1973, with his breakthrough coming six years later.

After winning the Andy Williams-San Diego Open Invitational in January of 1979, Zoeller competed in his first Masters, where he found himself in the first sudden-death playoff in tournament history with Ed Sneed and Tom Watson. After the trio traded pars at the 10th, Sneed and Watson missed their attempts for birdies at the 11th. Zoeller’s approach came to rest six feet from the pin; when he converted his putt and made a 3, he punctuated his win by tossing his putter in the air.

Zoeller was the first player to win the green jacket in his tournament debut since Gene Sarazen in 1935 (which was the second edition of the Masters). No player since Zoeller has won in their Augusta National debut.

He was also known in his playing days for his performance at the 1984 U.S. Open at Winged Foot. After Greg Norman made a 50-footer on the 18th hole for par, Zoeller—who believed Norman had made birdie—jokingly waved a white towel from the fairway in appreciation. A USGA official had to inform Zoeller that Norman had made 4, allowing Zoeller to match and force an 18-hole playoff the following day. Zoeller birdied the first two holes while Norman doubled the second; Zoeller created a five-shot advantage after nine that ultimately ballooned to eight. Norman reciprocated the white-towel wave as the duo reached the 18th as Zoeller captured his second major.

However, Zoeller’s post career was marred after making racially-insensitive remarks toward Tiger Woods at the 1997 Masters. Speaking to reporters in the shadow of Woods’ record-breaking win, Zoeller ended his interview by remarking, “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?" As Zoeller walked away he added, "Or collard greens or whatever the hell they serve."

Speaking to Golf Digest in 2008, Zoeller told Guy Yocom, “I suppose you have to ask me about the Tiger incident at Augusta. Well, it's been terrible, the worst thing I've gone through in my entire life. What happened to me as a result? I got death threats against me, Diane, my kids. Even threats against the house. I received hundreds of terrible letters, almost all of them anonymous, and they're still coming—I got one this morning. It's been more than nine years now, and it still hasn't blown over.

"If people wanted me to feel the same hurt I projected on others, I'm here to tell you they got their 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. 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.” Zoeller finished his career with 19 global wins and was a member of three Ryder Cup teams. No cause of death was given at the time of publication.