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Frank Urban “Fuzzy” Zoeller Jr. passed away on November 27, 2025, at the age of 74.
Born on November 11, 1951, in New Albany, Indiana, Zoeller turned professional in 1973 after collegiate golf at Edison Junior College and the University of Houston.
Over his career he won 10 PGA Tour titles and claimed two major championships The Masters Tournament in 1979 and the U.S. Open in 1984.
In doing so he became the last golfer ever to win the Masters on his first attempt.
Zoeller’s 1984 U.S. Open victory was dramatic, after mistakenly believing his rival had just birdied the 72nd hole, he waved a white towel in mock concession, only to rally the next day in an 18-hole playoff to win by eight strokes.
Beyond his achievements on the course, Zoeller was known for his easygoing personality and quick play famously advising under pressure: “If the pressure is getting to you, whistle.”
In 1985 he was awarded the Bob Jones Award, the highest honour given by the United States Golf Association, in recognition of distinguished sportsmanship.
His life and legacy, however, bore the shadow of a deeply controversial moment: during the 1997 Masters, he made a racially insensitive comment about Tiger Woods.
Though he later apologised publicly and described the fallout as “the worst thing I’ve gone through in my entire life,” the incident had lasting consequences and marred his reputation.
He will be remembered for his brilliance under pressure, his distinctive personality on the fairways, and the complicated legacy he leaves behind one of both triumph and remorse.
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