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Controversial Golf Legend Dead at 74

Originally posted on Men's Journal | By Jessica McBride | Last updated Nov 27, 2025 3:53 PM ET

A controversial golf legend has died at the age of 74, but his cause of death is unclear.

Fuzzy Zoeller's death was confirmed by the PGA Tour's commissioner.

"The PGA Tour is saddened by the passing of Fuzzy Zoeller," said PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan in a statement to CBS Sports. "Fuzzy was a true original whose talent and charisma left an indelible mark on the game of golf. Fuzzy 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."

According to CBS Sports, Zoeller "was the last player to win the Masters on his first attempt," but his career "was tainted by a racially insensitive joke about Tiger Woods."

Fuzzy Zoeller Won 10 PGA Tour Victories, According to His Website

Fuzzy Zoeller's website says the golfer's "professional career has produced ten PGA TOUR victories, including the 1979 Masters and the 1984 U.S. Open."

His Masters victory "still remains the only victory posted by a Masters rookie, and at the 1984 U.S. Open he jokingly waved his white towel in mock surrender to Greg Norman on the final hole on Sunday after Norman sank a monster putt for par to tie him after 72 holes," the website says.

"Fuzzy went on to win the next day in an 18 hole playoff in record fashion," the website says.
He won the 1985 and 1986 Skins Game and in the process helped elevate the event to one of the most popular made-for-TV competitions in golf."

"Since joining The Champions Tour he has notched another major, the 2002 Senior PGA Championship. He also won The 2002 Senior Slam Championship, The 2003 Tylenol Shoot Out Championship, The 2004 MasterCard Championship and The 2007 Senior Skins Game with playing partner Peter Jacobsen," the website says.

"A little known fact about Fuzzy is that he loves to cook and grill. He has his own line of BBQ and Steak Sauces as well as premium dy rubs. He has also launched his own line of ultra-premium vodka, Fuzzy's Ultra Premium Vodka," it adds.

Fuzzy Zoeller's Racist Comment About Tiger Woods 'Haunted' His Career

According to NPR, Zoeller's racist comment about Tiger Woods "haunted" his career.

"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 said, according to NPR.

According to NPR: "He smiled and snapped his fingers, and as he was walking away he turned and said, 'Or collard greens or whatever the hell they serve.'"

Zoeller later apologized to Woods and wrote for Golf Digest that it was "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 wrote. "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."