Fuzzy Zoeller, a two-time main champion who was recognized for his humour however sparked a firestorm with a racially insensitive joke about Tiger Woods, has died on the age of 74, the PGA Tour stated Thursday.
“The PGA Tour is saddened by the passing of Fuzzy Zoeller,” commissioner Jay Monahan stated in an announcement. “Fuzzy was a real authentic whose expertise and charisma left an indelible mark on the sport of golf.” No explanation for loss of life was disclosed.
Zoeller stays the final man to win the Masters in his first try, triumphing at Augusta Nationwide in a three-way playoff in 1979.
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He beat Australian Greg Norman in a playoff at Winged Foot to take the 1984 US Open — not earlier than waving a white towel in mock give up when he erroneously thought Norman had seized the lead with a birdie on the ultimate gap of regulation.
Actually Norman had made par, and Zoeller calmly compelled the 18-hole decider.
Beloved by followers for his gregarious nature and light-hearted strategy, Zoeller was plunged into controversy in 1997 as 21-year-old rising star Woods was marching to a surprising victory within the Masters.
Requested to remark, Zoeller advised CNN that “that little boy” was enjoying nicely. “Inform him to not serve fried hen subsequent 12 months …or collard greens or no matter they serve,” he added in a reference to the champions’ dinner.
Zoeller apologised, however stated he obtained loss of life threats for years.
In 2008 he wrote in Golf Digest that it was “the worst factor I’ve gone by way of in my total life.
“If folks needed me to really feel the identical harm I projected on others, I’m right here to let you know they bought their method,” he wrote, including that he “cried many instances” over the remarks that he stated have been a misguided try at humour.
“Nonetheless, I’ve come to phrases with the truth that this incident won’t ever, ever go away.” Zoeller, born Frank City Zoeller Jr. in New Albany, Indiana, on November 11, 1951, turned skilled in 1973 after enjoying school golf at Edison Junior School and the College of Houston.
Along with his two main victories he gained eight different PGA Tour titles. He gained twice on the Champions Tour and performed for the US in three Ryder Cups.