Frank City “Fuzzy” Zoeller Jr. handed away on November 27, 2025, on the age of 74.
Born on November 11, 1951, in New Albany, Indiana, Zoeller turned skilled in 1973 after collegiate golf at Edison Junior Faculty and the College of Houston.
Over his profession he gained 10 PGA Tour titles and claimed two main championships The Masters Event in 1979 and the U.S. Open in 1984.
In doing so he turned the final golfer ever to win the Masters on his first try.
Zoeller’s 1984 U.S. Open victory was dramatic, after mistakenly believing his rival had simply birdied the 72nd gap, he waved a white towel in mock concession, solely to rally the following day in an 18-hole playoff to win by eight strokes.
Past his achievements on the course, Zoeller was recognized for his easygoing character and fast play famously advising beneath strain: “If the strain is attending to you, whistle.”
In 1985 he was awarded the Bob Jones Award, the very best honour given by america Golf Affiliation, in recognition of distinguished sportsmanship.
His life and legacy, nevertheless, bore the shadow of a deeply controversial second: through the 1997 Masters, he made a racially insensitive remark about Tiger Woods.
Although he later apologised publicly and described the fallout as “the worst factor I’ve gone by way of in my total life,” the incident had lasting penalties and marred his status.
He will probably be remembered for his brilliance beneath strain, his distinctive character on the fairways, and the sophisticated legacy he leaves behind considered one of each triumph and regret.
