Frank Urban “Fuzzy” Zoeller Jr. passed away on November 27, 2025 at the age of 74.
Zoeller was born in New Albany, Indiana, on November 11, 1951, and turned professional in 1973 after playing college golf at Edison Junior College and the University of Houston.
During his career, he won 10 PGA Tour titles and two major championships at the 1979 Masters and 1984 U.S. Open.
In doing so, he became the last golfer to win the Masters on his first try.
Zoeller’s victory at the 1984 U.S. Open was dramatic. He mistakenly believed that his opponent had just birdied the 72nd hole, so he waved a white towel and pretended to give in. Only to regroup the next day in an 18-hole playoff and win by eight strokes.
In addition to his accomplishments on the field, Zoeller was known for his easy-going personality and fast play, and he famously offered advice when under pressure: “If the pressure gets too much, whistle.”
In 1985, he was awarded the Bob Jones Award, the USGA’s highest honor, for outstanding sportsmanship.
However, his life and legacy are overshadowed by one highly controversial moment: a racially insensitive comment he made about Tiger Woods during the 1997 Masters.
Although he later publicly apologized and described the aftermath as “the worst thing that has ever happened to me in my life,” the incident had lasting consequences and damaged his reputation.
He will be remembered for his prowess under pressure, his unique personality on the lanes and his complicated legacy of triumph and regret.
