Photo: Alamy
Fuzzy Zoeller, a two-time major champion known for his humor and larger-than-life personality, has died at the age of 74.
The cause of death was not immediately released. Brian Naugle, tournament director of the Insperity Invitational in Houston, said Zoeller’s daughter notified him Thursday.
“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!” President Trump said in a post to Truth Social on Thursday.
Zoeller was the last golfer to win the Masters in his debut, capturing the 1979 title in a three-way playoff. At the 1984 U.S. Open at Winged Foot, he famously waved a white towel after Greg Norman holed a long putt, thinking he had lost, only to beat Norman the next day in an 18-hole playoff.
Zoeller won two majors, eight additional PGA Tour events and two PGA Tour Champions titles, including a Senior PGA Championship. He was beloved for his relaxed style and habit of whistling between shots.
At the 1979 Masters, Zoeller outlasted Tom Watson and Ed Sneed, celebrating his winning putt by tossing his putter into the air. “I’ve never been to heaven, and thinking back on my life, I probably won’t get a chance to go,” he once said. “I guess winning the Masters is as close as I’m going to get.”
Born Frank Urban Zoeller Jr. in New Albany, Indiana, he inherited his father’s nickname, “Fuzzy.” He played junior college golf in Florida before joining the University of Houston’s powerhouse program and later turning professional.
His wife, Diane, died in 2021. Zoeller is survived by his three children, including his daughter Gretchen, with whom he played in the PNC Championship. He received the Bob Jones Award from the USGA in 1985, the organization’s highest honor for sportsmanship.
