Death
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Fuzzy Zoeller passed away on November 27, 2025, at the age of 74.
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The announcement of his death was made by the United States Golf Association (USGA), and the cause of death was not immediately disclosed.
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His passing triggered tributes from across the golf world, with many remembering his talent, personality, and contributions to the sport.
Career & Major Achievements
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Born Frank Urban Zoeller Jr. on November 11, 1951, in New Albany, Indiana.
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He turned professional in 1973, after playing college golf (including at the University of Houston).
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Over his career, Zoeller accumulated 19 professional wins — including 10 PGA Tour wins and 2 senior (Champions Tour) wins.
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His two most notable victories:
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1979 Masters Tournament — he won the Masters at his first appearance, becoming the last golfer to do so.
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1984 U.S. Open — famous for beating Greg Norman in an 18-hole playoff, after mistakenly waving a white towel in apparent “surrender”; the towel-wave became one of golf’s iconic images.
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In recognition of his sportsmanship, he received the prestigious Bob Jones Award from the USGA in 1985.
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Zoeller also represented the United States on three Ryder Cup Team (USA) squads (1979, 1983, 1985).
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Known for his fast play, cheerful demeanor and sense of humor, Zoeller often whistled between shots — a style that made him a fan favorite.
The Controversial Joke & Reputation
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In 1997, after a dominant win by rising star Tiger Woods at the Masters, Zoeller made a comment during a CNN interview that was widely condemned as racist. He said:
“That little boy is driving well … So … tell him not to serve fried chicken next year … Or collard greens or whatever the hell they serve.”
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The remark sparked outrage. Zoeller later apologized — but the comment “haunted” him for years. In a 2008 writing for Golf Digest, he called it “the worst thing I’ve gone through in my entire life.”
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He claimed to have received death threats for years following the incident, expressing deep remorse and regret.
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The episode undoubtedly stained what was otherwise a decorated career — reshaping public perception of him and overshadowing some of his legacy. Major media coverage of his death retraced both his highs and that controversy.
Personal Life — Wife & Family
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Zoeller was married to Diane Thornton Zoeller. According to official records, Diane passed away in 2021.
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The couple had children (some sources say three, others four) — including a daughter named Gretchen, with whom Zoeller once played in the PNC Championship.
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At the time of his death, he was survived by his children and grandchildren.
Net Worth
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As of 2025, his net worth was estimated to be around US $10 million.
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The majority of his wealth came from his professional golf earnings (tour wins, endorsements), as well as later career earnings on the Champions Tour and possibly other ventures.
Legacy & Final Thoughts
Fuzzy Zoeller’s life and career encompassed some of the most dramatic — and polarizing — moments in modern golf. On one hand:
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His fearless play, joyous personality, and breakthrough victories (like winning the Masters on debut and that dramatic 1984 U.S. Open playoff) secured him a place in golf history.
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His awards, total wins, and long career — including success on the senior tour — underline his consistency and skill.
On the other hand:
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The 1997 racist remark and its aftermath — threats, lost sponsorships, public backlash — cast a long shadow that even Zoeller admitted never fully lifted.
When he died in 2025, tributes from golfing legends and fans alike celebrated his skill, his personality, and the joy he brought to the game — while also acknowledging the complexity of his legacy.
In the end, Fuzzy Zoeller remains a figure of great talent, charisma, and contradiction — a champion who brought laughter and drama to golf, and whose life story reminds us how success and mistakes can both define a legacy.
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