Fuzzy Zoeller, a two-time main champion, has died on the age of 74.
The American, who turned embroiled in a racism controversy for a joke he made about Tiger Woods, completed his profession with 10 PGA Tour wins and two titles on the PGA Tour Champions.
He’s nonetheless the final golfer to win the Masters at his first try, after prevailing in a three-man playoff in 1979.
Zoeller additionally triumphed within the US Open in 1984. No rapid trigger was given for his dying.
He was a gallery favorite, because of his bigger than life persona, humour and relaxed method to golf.
PGA Tour Commissioner, Jay Monahan, mentioned in a press release: “Fuzzy was a true original whose talent and charisma left an indelible mark on the game of golf.
“Fuzzy mixed aggressive excellence with a way of humour that endeared him to followers and fellow gamers alike.
“We celebrate his remarkable legacy and extend our deepest condolences to his family.”
Picture:
Zoeller was haunted by feedback he made about Tiger Woods (pictured). Pic: Reuters
US President Donald Trump additionally paid tribute, writing in a Reality Social put up: “Very sad to hear that the highly respected and beloved professional golfer, Fuzzy Zoeller, has passed away.”
However Zoeller’s legacy was tarnished by feedback he made about Woods on the 1997 Masters.
As Woods was on the course throughout the last spherical en path to a 12-stroke victory at Augusta Nationwide Golf Membership to assert his first main title, Zoeller made a comment in regards to the conventional Champions Dinner, the place the menu is chosen by the winner.
He instructed reporters: “You know what you guys do when he gets in here?
“You pat him on the again and say congratulations and revel in it and inform him to not serve fried rooster subsequent yr. Received it.”
Then turning away, he added: “Or collard greens, or regardless of the hell they serve.”
‘Highly respected and beloved golfer’
The remarks cost him financially after the cancellation of sponsorship deals, and was also a blow to his reputation.
Zoeller late apologised, telling Golf Digest in 1998: “I’ve cried many instances. I’ve apologised numerous instances for phrases mentioned in jest that simply aren’t a mirrored image of who I’m.
“I have hundreds of friends, including people of colour, who will attest to that. Still, I’ve come to terms with the fact that this incident will never, ever go away.”
Woods later mentioned he had “concluded that no personal animosity toward me was intended” however that the remark was not forgotten.
