Golfer Fuzzy Zoeller, Two-Time Main Champion, Useless At 74

Fuzzy Zoeller, a 2x main champ whose huge persona and distinctive shot-making have been later overshadowed by a racially insensitive comment about Tiger Woods, has died at 74.

Zoeller gained 10 PGA Tour occasions throughout his time on tour, together with the 1979 Masters, which he gained his first time taking part in the event at Augusta Nationwide, a outstanding feat.

He additionally gained the 1984 U.S. Open, beating Greg Norman and Hale Irwin in a brutal 18-hole playoff.

As nice a golfer as he was — and Fuzzy was a heck of a shot maker with elite really feel across the greens — he was recognized simply as a lot for his fast wit and playful persona.

“Fuzzy was a real authentic whose expertise and charisma left an indelible mark on the sport of golf. Fuzzy mixed aggressive excellence with a humorousness that endeared him to followers and fellow gamers alike,” PGA Tour commish Jay Monahan stated.

“We have fun his outstanding legacy and lengthen our deepest condolences to his household.”

Zoeller’s quips did not all the time land … and one thing he stated about Tiger many years in the past adopted him round for the remainder of his life.

On the 1997 Masters, Woods, taking part in within the tourney for the primary time as a professional, blew away the sphere. Fuzzy was requested by CNN in regards to the 21-year-old’s dominant play.

“That little boy is driving properly and he is placing properly. He is doing the whole lot it takes to win. So, you realize what you guys do when he will get in right here? You pat him on the again and say ‘congratulations’ and luxuriate in it and inform him not serve fried rooster subsequent yr. Received it?,” Zoeller stated, referring to the Champions Dinner, the place the reigning champ chooses the menu.

The “joke” haunted Fuzzy, who obtained many dying threats through the years.

In 2008, he opened up in regards to the incident with Golf Digest.

“If individuals needed me to really feel the identical harm I projected on others, I am right here to let you know they obtained their means. I’ve cried many instances. I’ve apologized numerous instances for phrases stated in jest that simply aren’t a mirrored image of who I’m. I’ve a whole bunch of associates, together with individuals of coloration, who will attest to that.”

“Nonetheless, I’ve come to phrases with the truth that this incident won’t ever, ever go away.”

Regardless of the sophisticated legacy, Zoeller was beloved by numerous golf followers worldwide, together with the president of america, Donald Trump, who reacted to his passing.

“Very unhappy to listen to that the extremely revered and beloved Skilled Golfer, Fuzzy Zoeller, has handed away, POTUS stated earlier than highlighting a number of of Fuzzy’s prime achievements on the golf course.