The world of golf is mourning the loss of Frank 'Fuzzy' Zoeller, the charismatic American player who captured two major championships and became a popular, if at times controversial, figure on the fairways. Zoeller has died at the age of 74.
A Remarkable Start: Masters Glory on Debut
Zoeller's breakthrough on the grandest stage was both dramatic and historic. In 1979, at the age of 27, he triumphed at the US Masters in Augusta, Georgia. This victory was extraordinary because it was his first-ever appearance in the tournament. He became the first golfer since 1935 to win the Masters on his debut, a feat that has only been matched by one other player since.
The win came in a sudden-death playoff against the formidable Tom Watson and Ed Sneed. After Sneed's late collapse, Zoeller sealed the title on the second extra hole, sinking a six-foot birdie putt. In a moment of pure elation, he famously hurled his putter into the air as the ball dropped, cementing his place in Masters folklore.
Major Success and Sporting Gestures
Five years later, Zoeller added a second major to his name by winning the 1984 US Open at the challenging Winged Foot course. This tournament is remembered for a famous moment of sportsmanship and humour involving his rival, Greg Norman. On the 72nd hole, believing Norman had taken the lead with a long putt, Zoeller waved a white towel in mock surrender from the fairway. Norman had actually only drawn level, forcing an 18-hole playoff.
The following day, Zoeller dominated, winning the playoff by eight strokes. In a good-natured return of the gesture, Norman waved his own towel on the final green. For his conduct, Zoeller was later honoured with the USPGA's prestigious Bob Jones Award for sportsmanship in 1985.
A Career of Highs and a Lasting Controversy
Beyond his two major wins, Zoeller's career included eight other PGA Tour victories, a runner-up finish at the 1981 USPGA, and a third place at The Open in 1994. He also represented the United States in three Ryder Cups (1979, 1983, 1985), though he struggled for wins in the team format.
Known for his quick play, easygoing demeanour, and habit of whistling on the course, Zoeller's reputation was severely damaged by a controversial incident in 1997. After Tiger Woods' historic Masters win, Zoeller, in an off-the-cuff interview, made a joke that relied on racial stereotypes about the champion's dinner. He swiftly apologised, and Woods later downplayed the event, but Zoeller lost several sponsorships and expressed lasting regret over the remarks.
In his later career, he enjoyed success on the senior Champions Tour, winning the Senior PGA Championship in 2002. Zoeller, who was also a golf course designer, is survived by his four children. His wife, Diane, died in 2021.
