Frank “Fuzzy” Zoeller Jr., the ebullient two-time major champion whose career was eclipsed in later years by a racially insensitive remark about Tiger Woods, has died. He was 74. A cause of death was not immediately disclosed. Brian Naugle, tournament director of the Insperity Invitational in Houston, said Zoeller’s daughter phoned him Thursday to relay the news.
Zoeller rose to prominence with a quick, charismatic style of play and a knack for high-profile moments. He remains the last golfer to win the Masters in his first appearance, prevailing in a three-man playoff in 1979 and celebrating by famously flinging his putter into the air. He later described the victory as one of the pinnacles of his life.
Another defining episode came at the 1984 U.S. Open at Winged Foot, when Zoeller, believing rival Greg Norman had missed a birdie putt on the 18th, waved a white towel in apparent sportsmanship. Norman’s putt was actually for par; Zoeller made par to force an 18-hole playoff and then beat Norman by eight strokes.
Zoeller compiled two major titles, eight other PGA Tour victories and additional success on the PGA Tour Champions circuit, including a Senior PGA Championship. He was known as much for the way he played—quickly, often whistling between shots—as for his wins.
But his reputation suffered a severe blow after a remark he made at the 1997 Masters about Tiger Woods. Speaking to a TV crew as Woods completed a dominant round, Zoeller said Woods had been playing so well that people should “pat him on the back and say congratulations and enjoy it and tell him not serve fried chicken next year,” adding “Or collard greens or whatever the hell they serve.” The comment was widely condemned. Zoeller apologized repeatedly; Woods, who was traveling at the time, took about two weeks to respond as the controversy grew.
Zoeller later wrote about the episode in Golf Digest, calling it the worst experience of his life. He said he received death threats and suffered deep regret, insisting the remark did not reflect who he was and pointing to long-standing friendships across racial lines. He acknowledged the incident would be a lasting stain on his public image.
Off the course, Zoeller was born in New Albany, Indiana, and adopted his father’s nickname, “Fuzzy.” He played junior college golf in Florida, then starred for the University of Houston before turning professional. He was married to his wife, Diane, who died in 2021, and is survived by three children, including daughter Gretchen, with whom he frequently played in the PNC Championship.
In 1985 Zoeller received the USGA’s Bob Jones Award, its highest honor for sportsmanship. Despite the controversy that followed him, he remained a memorable and influential figure in golf—equal parts talent, showmanship and, in later years, regret.