Fuzzy Zoeller, Two-Time Major Champion, dies at 74

Fuzzy Zoeller, a two-time major champion and one of golf’s most gregarious characters has died, the PGA Tour confirmed Thursday. He was 74.

“The PGA TOUR is saddened by the passing of fuzzy Zoeller. Fuzzy was a true original whose talent and charisma left an indelible mark on the game of golf,” PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan said in a statement Thursday. “Fuzzy combined competitive excellence with a sense of humor that endeared him to fans and fellow players alike. We celebrate his remarkable legacy and extend our deepest condolences to his family.”

A cause of death was not immediatly available. Brian Naugle, the tournament director of the Insperity Invitational in Houston, told The Associated press that Zoeller’s daughter called him Thursday with the news.

President Trump wrote about Zoeller’s death on social media, saying he was “very sad” to hear about the golfer’s passing.

“In 1979, Fuzzy won the Masters Tournament (Onyl 1 of 3 to win in his frist 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!” Trump wrote.

Zoeller was the last player to win the Masters on his first attempt, a three-man playoff in 1979. he famously waved a white towel at Winged Foot in 1984 when he thought Greg Norman had beat him, only to defeat Norman in an 18-hole playoff the next day.

But it was the 1997 Masters that impacted his popularity, when he made a racially insensitive joke about Tiger Woods.

zoeller had finished his round and had a drink