Golf legend and two-time major champion Fuzzy Zoeller has died aged 74

Fuzzy Zoeller passed away on Wednesday night at the age of 74, leaving the golf world mourning the loss of one of its most charismatic and naturally gifted players.

At the time of writing, the cause of his death has not yet been confirmed.

Zoeller’s career was one marked by immense talent, effortless charm, and achievements that placed him among the greats of his generation. 

A 10-time PGA Tour winner, he captured two major championships—the 1979 Masters and the 1984 US Open—and later added two PGA Tour Champions titles, including the 2002 Senior PGA Championship.

A natural entertainer and Masters champion on debut

Zoeller burst onto the world stage in 1979 when he became the first player since 1935 and only third player in history to win The Masters on debut. 

In a dramatic finish at Augusta National, he defeated Tom Watson and Ed Snead with a birdie on the second extra hole, famously launching his putter into the air as his 12-footer dropped into the cup. It was a moment of pure Fuzzy—joyful, spontaneous, and unforgettable.

Watch Fuzzy's magic Masters moment here: 

He would go on to collect his second major title at the 1984 US Open, taking down Greg Norman in an 18-hole playoff at Winged Foot. Zoeller’s 3-under-par round in that playoff secured an emphatic eight-shot victory.

Over the years, he came agonisingly close to completing the career grand slam. He finished runner-up at the 1981 PGA Championship in Atlanta and third at the 1994 Open Championship at Turnberry.

A glittering PGA Tour career

Zoeller’s first of 10 PGA Tour titles came at the 1979 Andy Williams San Diego Invitational—just months before he donned the green jacket at Augusta. His third Tour title arrived in 1981 at the Colonial National Invitation.

The early 1980s saw Zoeller at his competitive peak. He won twice in 1983—the Sea Pines Heritage and the Las Vegas Pro Celebrity Classic—before securing his second major in 1984. His win at the Hertz Bay Hill Classic followed in 1985.

His final—and most prolific—winning season on the PGA Tour came in 1986, when he triumphed at the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, claimed a second Sea Pines Heritage title, and won the Anheuser-Busch Golf Classic.

Tiger Woods controversy 

Although celebrated for his humour and easygoing spirit, Zoeller’s public image was deeply affected by an incident at the 1997 Masters. 

As a fresh-faced 21-year-old Tiger Woods charged toward a historic victory, Zoeller—relaxed with a drink in hand—was approached by a CNN crew near the Augusta clubhouse.

His comments, made casually and with a smile, sparked immediate outrage.

Watch what Zoeller had to say of Woods: 

"That little boy is driving well and he’s putting well," said Zoeller, acknowledging Woods' brilliance before adding that officials should congratulate him—then joking that they should "tell him not [to] serve fried chicken next year… or collard greens or whatever the hell they serve."

Zoeller apologised soon after, but the backlash only intensified. Woods did not address the remarks for two weeks as he continued travelling, and Zoeller later said he received death threats for years. Woods, of course, completed his dominant run with a record-breaking 12-shot victory at The Masters.

Reflecting on the episode in Golf Digest in 2008, Zoeller called it "the worst thing I’ve gone through in my entire life," adding: "If people wanted me to feel the same hurt I projected on others, I’m here to tell you they got their way."

He admitted he had "cried many times" and offered "countless" apologies for what he described as a misguided attempt at humour, one he said did not reflect who he truly was.

"Still, I’ve come to terms with the fact that this incident will never, ever go away."

It was an episode that followed Zoeller for the rest of his life, even as he remained a respected and much-loved figure among many peers and fans who knew his generous spirit and passion for the game.

More success on seniors tour 

After stepping away from the PGA Tour, Zoeller joined the over 50s PGA Tour Champions, where he quickly made his mark again. 

His first senior victory came at a major—the 2002 Senior PGA Championship at Firestone. He then added a second title at the 2004 Mastercard Championship.

Early life and lasting legacy 

Born on 11 November 1951 in New Albany, Indiana, Zoeller grew up to become one of golf’s most recognisable personalities. 

Zoeller married his wife, Diane, in 1975, and they share three children together: daughter Gretchen, and two sons Josh and Dean.

Diane passed away in 2021. 

After a standout high-school career, Zoeller attended Edison Junior College in Florida before transferring to the University of Houston. He turned professional in 1973—and just six years later, he was a Masters champion.

In 1985, a year after his US Open triumph, Zoeller received the prestigious Bob Jones Award, the USGA’s highest honour for sportsmanship.

Tributes from across the world

The PGA Tour shared its condolences with a heartfelt statement on social media.

"The PGA Tour is saddened by the passing of Fuzzy Zoeller," wrote outgoing commissioner Jay Monahan. 

"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."

John Daly wrote an emotional tribute to his "best friend" with a photo of them. 

Daly, also a two-time major champion, wrote on social media: "To a best friend and a father figure who helped me a ton in my life... I'll miss you beyond words. Rest in peace Fuzzy."

US President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social: "Very sad to hear that the highly respected and beloved Professional Golfer, Fuzzy Zoeller, has passed away. In 1979, Fuzzy won the Masters Tournament (Only 1 of 3 to win in his first appearance!) and, in 1984, he won the U.S. Open at Winged Foot Golf Club, and famously waved the white towel on the 18th Hole as he went on to beat Greg Norman in an 18 Hole playoff. A truly remarkable person and player, he will be missed!"

A player of immense natural ability, a showman with a quick wit, and a major champion whose career was not without complexity, Fuzzy Zoeller leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered for generations.

RIP Fuzzy—one of golf’s true characters.